Woodcock Nature Center announces annual ‘Under the Harvest Moon’ fundraiser on Sept. 26

VIP experiences, virtual silent auction return to support environmental education and celebrate the outdoors

Representative  from Litchfield Distillery offering drinks to guests_Harvest Moon photo by Regina Calderone
Representative from Litchfield Distillery offering drinks to guests_Harvest Moon photo by Regina Calderone

Woodcock Nature Center (56 Deer Run Rd, Wilton, CT 06897) invites the community to one of the most anticipated events of the year, Under the Harvest Moon, taking place on Friday, September 26 at 7 pm. This beloved fall fundraiser supports Woodcock’s vital environmental education programs, including local school outreach, scholarships, and year-round programming for families and adults that foster meaningful connections to the natural world.

Held in and around the center’s scenic candlelit pavilion and pond, this sell-out event welcomes nearly 200 guests each year and raises more than $60,000 to benefit Woodcock’s mission. 

Under the Harvest Moon guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring carefully prepared fare by local chefs Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou of À Table in Ridgefield. Other highlights include carefully selected wine from Cellar XV Wine Market, spirits from Litchfield Distillery, brews from Sly Bandit, delectable desserts and coffee from Stacy’s Totally Baked Cookies and Queen B Coffee plus live music by local musician Matt Greene and friends.

To kick off the festivities, a virtual silent auction will open to the public on September 12 and run through September 21. A live auction during the event will feature exclusive offerings, including one-of-a-kind Woodcock experiences, vacation getaways, and the always-popular “VIP Wreath Festival Package”.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed in “campground chic” attire for this casual, cocktail-style evening under the stars held rain or shine.

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A handful of VIP ticket experiences are available for an additional price which include reserved picnic table seating for six, a personalized charcuterie board courtesy of 109 Cheese & Wine, a hand-picked selection of all the evening’s beverages as well as reserved parking at the highest ticket level. These upgraded experiences offer the perfect way to enjoy the evening in comfort while supporting the Nature Center’s mission.

Local businesses are invited to support the event through advertising sponsorships, offering great visibility to Woodcock’s loyal audience of over 4,000 community members.

As a nonprofit organization, Woodcock Nature Center relies heavily on fundraising events and donations to sustain its 152-acre preserve and innovative educational programming. The Center looks forward to welcoming the community for a night of food, music, and connection — all in support of nature and outdoor education.

Major event sponsors include Fairfield County Bank, ASML, Ridgefield Lifestyle, Good Morning Wilton, Á Table, Cellar XV, Sly Bandit, Litchfield Distillery, Stacy’s Totally Baked Cookies, Queen B Coffee, and Boxed Water.

Harvest Moon is expected to sell-out. Attendees are encouraged to buy tickets early. Tickets are $150 (increasing to $175 on September 1), VIP tables start at $1200 and may be purchased at https://www.woodcocknaturecenter.org/harvestmoon. Attendees must be 21+. Sponsorship opportunities are available here. Woodcock is currently accepting live and silent auction item donations from local businesses here.

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