Once upon a time, nestled in the northeastern corner of the United States, lay the enchanting state of Connecticut, bustling with old, mysterious forests, sparkling rivers, and picturesque hills. It was a secret land where the pizza slices could outshine the sun, and the Nutmeggers, as they were affectionately known, loved to dip their toes in the Long Island Sound just for fun! Among these Nutmeggers were the coolest gang of kids on their block, who had traded their video games for farm tools, rolling up their sleeves for some good old-fashioned farming activity. When the sun would peep from behind the clouds, they would march to their magical garden with sturdy shovels and gleaming watering cans, ready to plant their dreams, quite literally! Meet "Pumpkin Pete," the group's imaginative and enthusiastic leader. A 10-year-old with an inexplicable obsession for pumpkins, Pete was known far and wide for his annual pumpkin-growing competition. Pete would bounce around with his pumpkin-shaped hat, encouraging everyone to participate, making the entire process more hilarious than a clown juggling ducks! Then there was also "Broccoli Bella," the environmental superhero. Bella believed that every plant she grew could save the planet, and she wore a broccoli-themed cape to show her unwavering commitment to her green buddies. Together, this fun-loving gang made the mundane task of farming an exciting adventure in their own, whimsical way. So you see, Connecticut was not just another state, it was a magical land where dreams were grown in gardens, and the little farmers were the heroes of their own extraordinary tales!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

At ELCCT, we know the importance of hands-on learning experiences. That's why we offer a wide variety of experiential programs at Indian Rock Nature Preserve, the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center, and schools throughout Connecticut. In fact, we annually provide environmental education programs to over 20,000 children and families from more than 70 Connecticut communities! But we don't stop there. ELCCT is also a land trust, dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Connecticut. We've already protected over 750 acres of land in Bristol, Burlington and Southington. By participating in our programs, you and your family can get hands-on educational experiences, while also helping to protect our environment for future generations. So come join us and make a difference!