Nature Preschool Programs begin
Classes are open to children ages 3 to 5. Registration is required. Enrollment is limited to 15 children, so early registration is recommended. The fee for a session of eight classes is $60 for members and $75 for the general public ($10 sibling discount). Each class includes a healthy snack and a craft. For further information or to register, call 410-634-2847, ext. 0. Classes meet on Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Meet Lily
Tuesday, September 18
Visit the Arboretum’s goat herd, led by the lovely Lily, and learn how goats are used to eat troublesome weeds. Children will make goat puppets, sample goat milk, and have their picture taken with Lily.
Monarch Migration
Tuesday, September 25
Make a wish on a fluffy milkweed seed and learn about the beautiful monarch butterflies whose caterpillars depend on milkweed for food. Children will use hand lenses to examine monarch chrysalises in the meadow, make a butterfly craft, and enjoy books about monarch travels with their snack.
Teddy Bear Picnic
Tuesday, October 2
Children and their teddy bear friends are invited to a forest picnic! The morning will include a bear hunt along woodland paths (bears rarely wander to the Eastern Shore, but it’s still fun to look), bear songs, and a teddy bear bandana craft.
Glorious Goldenrod
Tuesday, October 9
Goldenrod is often blamed for sniffles and sneezes, but this lovely flower is actually not a trigger for fall allergies. Children will look for goldenrod in the meadow and gather flowers to press for a long-lasting bouquet.
Nuts for Squirrels
Tuesday, October 16
Are you nuts for squirrels? Learn about these furry forest friends and welcome fall with a forest squirrel search. Children will create squirrel napkin rings and listen to an acorn story while munching on nutty snacks.
The Leaves on the Trees
Tuesday, October 23
Celebrate fall colors by learning about leaves on a forest scavenger hunt. Children will sort leaves by shape and color, rake leaves into a gigantic leaf pile, and make leaf creatures to take home.
Going Batty
Tuesday, October 30
Bats: terrifying vampires or cuddly Stellalunas? Learn the facts about the world’s only flying mammal and try navigating the meadow bat-style. Activities will include a bat mobile craft and Halloween-themed snacks and stories.
Scouts and Maidens
Tuesday, November 6
Who were the first people to live on the Eastern Shore? Children will learn about the Woodland Indians through creative play, taking part in a Native American corn game, collecting sticks for a pretend campfire, and exploring the Paw Paw Playground wigwams.
