Winter Botany

Available December–March.

Do all the trees lose their leaves in winter? How can you identify the ones who no longer have their leaves? Even when it seems like the trees and plants around us are dormant, there is plant activity going on if you know where to look. This program includes a winter botany scavenger hunt and a matching game.

Maple Sugaring

Available February–March.

Late winter is the perfect time to take part in the New England tradition of maple sugaring. Learn about the history of maple sugaring and how to identify maple trees. Help tap a tree to collect sap, learn how you can make your own maple syrup at home, and taste fresh maple sap, syrups, and other maple goodies around the campfire.

Vernal Pool Ecology

Available March–May.

A vernal pool is a special place for spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp, and grey tree frogs. Take a closer look at this unique habitat and learn what animals and plants have adapted to its seasonal appearance. How does a vernal pool form anyway? And does it help with flooding?

Wilderness Survival

Available year-round.

What would you do if faced with a wilderness survival situation? Learn the Rule of 3 along with basic skills like shelter building and fire starting in this wild program.

Nature Detectives

Available year-round.

A nature mystery is brewing at Earthplace! Grab your magnifying glass, put on your detective hat, and figure out which animal has been causing trouble in the forest. Dive into a hands-on wildlife search, solve a microscopic mystery, and use animal tracks and clues to crack the case. Activities may vary depending on weather and grade.

Animal Tracking & Habitats

Available year-round.

Who made that track? Who lives in that tree? Explore the Earthplace sanctuary with tracking experts, and see how we can learn more about our neighboring wildlife by paying attention to the little (and big) signs they leave behind.

Birding

Available year-round.

Learn more about bird anatomy, behavior, and habitat. Take a walk in the outdoors with binoculars to view birds along the Earthplace trails. Students will also meet the birds in our Birds of Prey Exhibit and learn why they live at Earthplace.