|
EXHIBITS
The mission of Earthplace is to educate the public about nature and the environment. Visitors can learn about nature by exploring the hands-on museum exhibits in Natureplace and the Ecology Resource Lab. Get up close to wildlife in the Animal Hall and outdoor Connecticut Birds of Prey exhibit area. See what plants are found in Connecticut in the Native Plant Courtyard. Take a walk on our 62-acre property on one of the trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Wheels-in-the-Woods IV, a universal design nature trail. Hunt for the five letterboxes along the trails. Examine the beautiful Connecticut Wall of Nature, a tile wall of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants that are found in Connecticut. Visit a garden designed to attract birds and butterflies. Other facilities include picnic tables, a swing set, a children's playground available after 3 PM and on weekends, rest rooms, a snack machine and a gift shop.
 |
 |
 |
|
Explorer’s
Clubhouse Have fun exploring the many activities around our indoor tree. |
Tiny Tree House A special nature play area for children up to age 4 and their caregivers. |
Nature Lab Discover the wonders of nature through artifacts and activities. |
 |
 |
|
Backyard Resource
Center Information and exhibits about lawns, gardens and wildlife around your home. |
Nature
Theater Take a rest while you watch interesting films about animals and nature. |
Wildlife Dioramas
Nature scenes that depict animals
and plants found in various seasons and
ecosystems in Connecticut.
| Spring Woodland | By the Shore | Fall Field |
 |
 |
 |
| Forest | Underground | Garden Birds of CT |
 |
 |
 |
The Smilow Family Foundation Ecology Resource Lab is a lively, sunny classroom with displays of local small animals. Some of our live creatures include a toad, tarantula, Madagascar hissing cockroach, giant millipede and small fish. A changing display of mounted animals, insect specimens, minerals and other natural items relates to seasonal interests. Can you find the queen bee in our beehive?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earthplace maintains a varied collection of "species ambassadors", wildlife that cannot be released due to their injuries, as well as several domestic animals which are part of the teaching collection.
 Black rat snake |
 Monk parakeet |
 Burmese python |
 Red phase screech owl |
 Ferrets |
 Little brown bat |
 Rock dove |
 Wood turtle |
 Grey phase screech owl |
 |
 |
 |
|
Rabbits |
Blue jay |
Northern copperhead snake |
 |
 |
 |
|
Guinea pig |
Box Turtle |
Yellow-breasted chat |
 |
 |
|
| Mockingbird | Corn Snake |
All of the birds in these outdoor enclosures have sustained injuries and cannot be released back into the wild.
 Bald eagles |
 Red-tailed hawk |
 Turkey and black vulture |
 Great horned owl |
 Peregrine falcon |
 American kestrel |
 Barred owl |
 Barn owl |
 Sawwhet owl |
 Common raven |
Designed and created by artist Marion Grebow, this wall is composed of three-dimensional sculptured tiles that show scenes of nature found in Connecticut. All of the mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and plants are native to or are found in the state. The large border tiles focus on birds and mammals. The three scenic murals represent nature-related activities that can be enjoyed through Earthplace. The smaller tiles show local insects, amphibians and reptiles, as well as display quotations inspired by nature.
Proceeds from the sale of these tiles go towards completing the funding of Natureplace. Please contact us if you would like purchase a tile and add your name to this beautiful wall inside the entrance to our museum building.
