J. Mortimer Woodcock, former Ridgefield First Selectman, founded the Woodcock Nature Center in 1972. Since then, the center has provided educational opportunities to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds. With school field trips, summer camp, and enrichment programs, Woodcock Nature Center has made a commitment to immersing the community in direct experiences with the natural world. In addition to educational offerings, the Woodcock Nature Center partners with local organizations to present lectures, workshops, films, guided hikes, and child and caregiver classes. On-site animal encounters provide opportunities for the public to engage with and learn from nature. Woodcock Nature Center has been a staple of the Ridgefield community for nearly fifty years, and continues to bring people closer to the natural world.