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School and Group Programs
Nature Adventures for Young Folks - 3.5 thru 6 years
Nature Adventures for Young Folks is a 32 week enrichment program for 3.5 thru 6 year olds. Classes meet twice weekly (Tues/Thurs AM) or once weekly (Tues PM or Thurs PM). There are 3 terms: fall is 12 weeks, winter & spring are both 10 weeks. Our mission is to encourage young children to enjoy and explore the outdoors through games and other learning experiences. We want to facilitate their natural curiosity and joy in the world around them. Children in the program have the freedom to play and interact with their environment, learning to appreciate the variety and scope of the natural world.
For more information on Wachusett Meadow's Nature Adventures for Young Folks download our brochure* or contact Chris Eaton, Education Coordinator/ Nature Adventures' teacher, at 978 464-2712 x 8703
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Preschool Story Hour - 2.5 thru 6 years
Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, you and your young child can enjoy a story hour which focuses on nature. Do an activity, listen to a story, and go on a naturalist led walk outside. Dress for the weather. Cost: $7 Mass Audubon members; $10 nonmember. Fee includes adult/child pair. $2 per additional child. Advanced registration is required by calling 978-464-2712.
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Guided Walks/ Field Trips
Wachusett Meadow welcomes school and community groups that want to visit the Sanctuary, explore its trails, and learn about the plants, animals, ecology, and the habitats that occur here. On site programs take advantage of the unique features of our varied landscape to excite and motivate students. Students are encouraged to make discoveries and ask questions as they explore the Sanctuary through hands-on investigations and activities. Popular topics include Meadow Life, Forest Discovery, Insects, Animal Sign, Ponding/Vernal Pools, and Sensory Awareness, but we are also happy to work with teachers to create a program which best meets their needs. Field trips are $50.00 per hour with a maximum of 20 students per group. We can accommodate 5 groups per day.
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Scout Programs
Wachusett Meadow offers program and badge opportunities for all levels of girl and boy scouts. Our qualified staff is available to lead groups through the diverse habitats of the Sanctuary covering any natural history topic, or we can design a program to meet the requirements of a specific badge. Unguided hikes can also be arranged. Programs are offered after school or on weekends. Ask us about opportunities for Eagle or Gold Award projects! Cost: All adults free; (minimum 8 scouts) 1 ½ hour $6/scout; 2 hour $7/scout; 2 ½ hour $8/scout; 3 hour $9/scout. To book a program: call 978-464-2712.
OFF-Site Scouting programs are available. Cost: $80. per hour for a maximum of 25 scouts. Call us at 978 464-2712 to talk about your specific program needs.
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Home School Programs
With 1,200 acres of rich and varied habitats in a rural farm setting, Wachusett Meadow offers a variety of unique home school programs in an ideal setting. Sessions are two hours in length and are offered year round. "Hiking for Homeschoolers" programs are scheduled every 3rd Wednesday of the month and include a hike (1 mile average) with a specific focus: bobcat, porcupines, otters, heron rookery, etc. Recommended age is 5 years and up due to length of hike. Families are welcome. Fee: $8.00 for Mass Audubon members, $12.00 for nonmembers. Adults are free.
Additionally, indoor/outdoor programs are offered every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, also with a specific focus including water cycles, felting, vernal pools, insects, seed dispersal, mammals, early settlement, and geology. Open to all ages. Fee: $8.00 for Mass Audubon members, $12.00 for nonmembers. Adults are free.
All home school programs are from 1 to 3 pm, however we are happy to meet your needs for a special time or topic. We are here all year round and would love to serve you!
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Wachusett Meadow Comes to Your School!
Our experienced naturalist can come to you with customized programs designed to support the science curriculum in your classroom. Programs can be ongoing, multi-visit experiences on a specific topic, a seasonal program, or a one-time event. Some of our programs are in-class presentations and others involve field trips to local green spaces or your schoolyard. We offer programs on a variety of themes that can be adapted to the ages and needs of your group.
We are happy to work with teachers to provide expertise and resources to give students first-hand experience with nature. Most of our programs involve real props (animal skulls, natural materials) Students achieve a deeper understanding of the science they are learning in school through hands-on approach and knowledgeable instructors. Popular topics: Schoolyard Ecology, Life Cycles, Insects, Habitats, Soil and Decomposition, Trees and Forests, Watersheds.
Give us a call at 978 464-2712 to talk about your specific program needs. Cost: $80.00 per hour for maximum of 25 students.
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