Nature Storytime for Sprouts 2020

Children ages 3-6 and their adult caregivers are invited to join us for a 90-minute nature themed monthly program. This class meets one Saturday per month from 9:30-11:00am. Each month our “sprouts” will use their senses to connect to the natural world through nature stories, short hikes, songs and nature crafts.

Younger siblings may join us, but please remember to register and dress appropriately. An adult must accompany their child, make sure everyone bundles up in the winter and early spring months.

January 25: Snowflakes
Imagine a snowy day at Duke Farms. How does the snow change the way we view the meadows, trees and waterways? Let’s also make predictions about what animals might be outside and learn about how they search for food and stay warm on blustery days. What evidence can we discover that they have been active? We will read books about snow and winter, sing some snowy songs, create our own snowflakes, make a treat for our animal friends, and go on a mini-outdoor hike. Dress in layers for a brief outdoor component and for the activity based indoor session.

February 22: Sugar Maple Time
Participate in the process of making maple syrup and taste the sweet rewards. We will take a 15-minute to a nearby sugarbush to observe a tapped tree, collect maple sap to bring to the Sugar Shack and learn what tools and equipment are used to produce maple syrup. While inside, there will be lots of maple stories, activities and even some syrup tasting! Prepare for an action-packed class of inside and outside learning. Dress in layer including boots or shoes that can get muddy. About one hour of this program will be held outside along uneven paths that are not suitable for most strollers.  

March 21: Bald Eagles
Using the Duke Farms Eagle Cam with its 24/7 view of the nest, we will make observations of any activity that we see. Along with featured eagle books, participants will explore food webs, the way Bald Eagles catch their food, and get a glimpse into their lives. This activity-based class will be conducted mostly inside, but dress in layers for the weather for a brief outdoor component.

April 18: Rain, Rain, (Don’t) Go Away
After enjoying a book about rain, we will learn a water cycle song and then walk out to our weather station which captures essential data used by many people. We will explore this equipment and who uses the information. Although it’s a short walk, please wear boots as the ground is often soggy in the field. The path is not suitable for most strollers; carriers are best for wee ones. When we return indoors, we will make a rain gauge to use at home and investigate other rainy-day fun facts.