We have two community gardens
The outdoor soil garden at the Wilson Branch Library is in season from June – October each year. It lives on the north part of the library’s property. The plants are grown from seed in a greenhouse by Loomis Chaffee Students.
The hydroponic garden at the Main Library is a 36 plant garden that lives in the lobby and is in season all year. We use RISE Garden’s indoor hydroponic system to grow our plants. The garden showcases the scientific advances in gardening that make it easier to grow fresh produce in a wide variety of spaces (including outer space!).
The produce that is yielded in both gardens is donated to the Windsor Food and Fuel Bank.
Seed Library
The Main Library has a Seed Library! In the spring, it will be located next to the Hydroponic Garden.
How it works:
- Choose up to five packs of seeds per person
- Prepare your garden at home (we have lots of books to help!)
- Take good care of your plants! Give them water, sunlight and say nice things to them
- Once your plants have matured, harvest the seeds
- Bring your harvested seeds back to the library (labeled) so the cycle can continue!
Nature Backpacks
Our collection of Nature Backpacks will inspire you to explore the world around you. Each backpack includes books, activities, and tools for all ages. Check one out and uncover the many wonders nature has to offer!
Stop by the Wilson Branch Library to borrow any backpack for 3 weeks. Backpacks must be returned in person to the Wilson Branch.
To reserve a backpack, please call 860-247-8960.
Nature Backpacks
Click on the themes to the right to learn more about each backpack.
Why do we have different seasons and so many different types of weather?
Get answers to all your questions (and more!) with this Nature Backpack.
Do you know the difference between reptiles and amphibians?
Reptiles and amphibians can be found in salt marshes around Connecticut’s coastline. Next time you’re at the beach, bring this Nature Backpack and be on the lookout for both!
A habitat is the natural home of an animal, plant, or other organism. Biomes are ecosystems where several habitats meet.
There are 7 major types of biomes: tropical rainforest, temperate forest, desert, tundra, grassland, savanna, and boreal forests.
Which habitats can you identify in Connecticut? This Nature Backpack can help.
Did you know? According to the CT Ornithological Association, 448 species of birds recorded in Connecticut!
Our state bird is the American Robin. The three most common birds found in our state are the Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, and Mourning Dove.
Not only are birds fun to watch and listen to, they’re very important to humans. They help control the bug populations and act as pollinators to help the plants that we eat grow.
Celebrate these living dinosaures with this Nature Backpack.
There are over 1.5 million species of insects that have been identified. Some experts believe that is only a small fraction of the true number that exists in nature.
Insects are extremely beneficial to our ecosystems. Did you know that they play a huge role in the food system by pollinating the plants we eat? They’re also the primary food source for many reptiles, amphibians, birds, and some mammals.
Learn more fun facts about bugs with this Nature Backpack.
Sure, it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors on a warm, sunshiny day. But imagine all that you can observe about the changes in the world around you when the seasons change. Uncover the difference in how things look, sound, smell, and taste with this Nature Backpack.
They’re here, they’re there, they’re everywhere! Plants and flowers are all around us and they serve many functions. Not only are they a source of food for both animals and humans, they provide oxygen and shade from the heat. Plants come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but they have a lot in common with each other.
Learn all about them when you check out this Nature Backpack!
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! The world is full of many animals. From the smallest mouse to the biggest elephant (and everything between).
Stay on the lookout for the animals right in your backyard with the help of this Nature Backpack. How many wild animals can you find?
Volunteer
We’re always looking for helping hands around the gardens. Click on the volunteer link below if you’d like to help out.
(Yes, you can totally volunteer at both locations!)
Thank you to our sponsors!
The Windsor Garden Club
Blue Earth Compost
Loomis Chaffee School
Windsor Food & Fuel Bank
Windsor Library Association
