Program Topics and Descriptions

Week 1: 06/24, 06/25, & 06/26

Learning Right Meow: Wild Cats

Vermont and New Hampshireare home to two distinct species of wild cats: bobcats and lynx! Have you been lucky enough to spot either of these elusive predators? From feeding to frolicking, these fantastic felines play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Join us for some paws-on exploration into these cool cats, and discover what helps them thrive!

Week 2: 07/01, 07/02, & 07/03

No Teeth, No Problem!

From sharp beaks to flat bills, birds use their jaws to eat, communicate, build, and so much more! Join us in exploring how some of our native avian species have adapted to best utilize their beaks, and swoop in to try some methods yourself!

Week 3: 07/08, 07/09, & 07/10

Who is Swimming in the Water?

What’s going on beneath the ripples? Can swimmers move from one home to another? What’s a macroinvertebrate? There’s more in our rivers, streams, and ponds than just fish! Join us to learn about the Connecticut River and its tributaries that are home to fish, amphibians, insects, otters, and many non-swimming critters too! Explore pictures, hands-on biofacts, listen to a story, and get hands-on to learn more about many native water-loving creatures!

Week 4: 07/15, 07/16, & 07/17

Magnificent Migration

Many critters, whether living underwater, on land, or flying in the sky, migrate. This includes wildlife that call New England, and our backyards, home! We’re going to look at the different migrations of some of these animal and insect neighbors to help us understand why migration is so magnificent!

Week 5: 07/22, 07/23, & 07/24

Owls: What’s all the Hoot About?

Owls are magnificent predators that we often think of as hooting birds of the night. But there's more to owls than their distinctive calls and nocturnal activity. Come discover how they hunt, what twelve species of owls call New England home (eight in Vermont!), and why these birds are such amazing creatures. Hear a story, see and touch real owl biofacts, and get talons-deep in an owl pellet!

Week 6: 07/29, 07/30, & 07/31

Underground but Still Around…

We love living on Earth, but have you considered living within it? Right under our feet and paws is an exciting underground world! Let’s dig deep into what’s going on in the soil: from macroinvertebrates to mammals, we’re excited to get our paws dirty and take a closer look at how life thrives beneath the surface.

Week 7: 08/05, 08/06, & 08/07

Fairy Houses Building

Calling all Fairies, Elves & Imps! Fire up your imaginations by creating your own Fairy Village. We inspire students by teaching them some building basics, showing them some inspiring examples and reading a fairy story. Then, students take to the outdoors to create fairy houses, parks, gardens, or whatever they're inspired to build! We will take a look at each other’s  magical creations, hear what inspired each creator, and explore what they learned in their building process. This collaborative outdoor experience encourages creativity, problem solving, and taking a fresh look at nature's small wonders. Some materials may be provided but bringing your own is encouraged! Note: Fairy houses will be built to remain where they are with natural materials that you bring and we provide. Please only bring biodegradable and native materials.