We’re going to tell you two truths and one lie about Westport’s very own nature and environmental learning center – Earthplace. Will you be able to spot the lie?
- At Earthplace kids get the chance to touch a snake or get down and (literally) dirty, cleaning up nature trails.
- You don’t need an event or an appointment to get involved with Earthplace. You can just show up any day and take advantage of what they have to offer.
- Earthplace is only open when school is in session.
Here’s the answer:
- At Earthplace kids get the chance to touch a snake or get down and (literally) dirty, cleaning up nature trails. TRUE: Through programs like Eco Explorers, Teen Volunteer club, and Adventures in Animal Hall, kids get hands-on experience in a natural environment. At Earthplace, students in Grade 3 and up have the opportunity to personally interact with many different animal species, learn from our naturalist experts, and genuinely help protect the Earthplace preserve.
- You don’t need an event or an appointment to get involved with Earthplace. You can just show up any day and take advantage of what they have to offer. TRUE: Earthplace is open Monday-Saturday from 9am until 5pm and on Sundays from 1pm-4pm. Even better, the 2.5 miles of trails throughout the sanctuary are open dawn ‘til dusk every day of the week! Want to learn from an expert? Bring the family to Earthplace at 10am Monday-Friday for animal story time and stay for a 10:30am animal feeding. On Saturdays, there is a 3pm bird of prey feeding when you can get a close-up look at some of Connecticut’s largest birds.
- Earthplace is only open when school is in session. THE LIE: To provide exciting education opportunities for students even after the final bell, Earthplace offers an After School Enrichment Program for students K through 5 from 3pm until 6pm. Private transportation from Westport public schools is provided by Earthplace (and included!). Earthplace is also open on most school holidays with its Vacation Day Program and learning is guaranteed with a different nature theme each day!
- January 15th – Animals in winter
- February 16th – Plants
- February 19th – 23rd – Herbivores, Carnivores, Omnivores, Decomposers, and Insectivores
- March 20th – Trail Exploration
- April 9th – 13th – Forest, Field, Stream, Woods and Pond
Need a reason to check out Earthplace (or a reason to go back)? Join Earthplace for its annual Winterfest on January 20th! From 11am-2pm, join the staff at Earthplace for a day outside with crafts, a campfire, and fun! With countless activities like snowshoeing and miniature ice sculpting, there is sure to be something for everyone, all ages and all abilities! A $5 per person entry fee helps support the event and Earthplace’s ongoing work.
See you soon!!
For more information and to register for upcoming programs, visit www.earthplace.org
