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EcoKids: Vernal Pool Wonders
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesSpring is here, and so are the amazing creatures of vernal pools! From chorus frogs to dragonfly larva and spotted salamanders, these seasonal wetlands are stirring with life. Join us for a hands-on adventure as we explore these unique spring nurseries, use dip nets to discover hidden critters, and learn about the fascinating world of vernal pools.
Seed Stories: Lessons Learned from a Conservation Career
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesIn this talk, Kristine Nemec will share about her knowledge and work experience in the conservation field. She will also share tips for those pursuing a conservation career.
School’s Out Camp: Forest Adventures (for ages 6-8)
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesStep into the magical world of the forest! This camp combines storytelling and nature exploration. Campers will learn about the plants and trees of the forest while hearing stories and folktales that feature forest creatures. They’ll explore the woods, act out forest tales, and create tree art!
School’s Out Camps feature a blend of indoor and outdoor learning, experienced environmental educators, and loads of fun in a small group setting!
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Eating Like a Bird – Native Fruits We Can Enjoy at Our Tables
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesWatch the birds as they feed in the fields and forests and you might find a tasty treat for your self. Birds aren’t the only creatures who can enjoy native fruits. In this Lunchbox talk, we’ll discuss 12 fruiting plants which can be added to your landscape for attracting birds, pollinators and human beings. Learn how to cultivate these native fruits in your garden and support biodiversity in your landscape and diet.
Often the focus of adding native plants to your landscape is to attract more wildlife by providing more food and habitat for them. What if you could have more birds to watch, help improve your landscape’s biodiversity, and share a delicious food source? Many native fruiting plants can be prepared as dishes that are tasty and nutritious. Native fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which can improve health, along with being tasty. Many native fruits are sweeter, tarter, or just provide a more unusual flavor palette than the hybridized fruits we find in our grocery stores. Chefs and brewers love them!
In this talk a variety of native edible fruits will be presented. Attendees will learn the cultural needs of each plant along with tips for planting, growing, harvesting, and how to use the fruit of each plant. A discussion of the design and utility of each plant and how to use it in an edible landscape plan will be provided.
Berry-Bearing Botanicals: Illustrating Birds’ Breakfasts
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesIn this four-session class, we’ll explore painting in watercolor four native plants that produce berries and serve as vital food sources for our feathered friends during the Winter and Early Spring months. Join us in creating paintings of some of these essential plants and for discussions about the ecological importance of these plants and the fascinating interactions between North Carolina flora and the fauna they support.
Drop-In Discoveries: Awesome Amphibians
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesCome explore the fascinating frogs and salamanders that live in the Garden! Discover what makes amphibians so unique, try out your best frog calls, and enjoy a hands-on craft activity to take home. Then, head to the Garden’s ponds with your new knowledge to look and listen for amphibians in their habitat!
All ages welcome. FREE walk-up activity takes place outdoors.
Drop-In Discoveries: Awesome Amphibians
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesCome explore the fascinating frogs and salamanders that live in the Garden! Discover what makes amphibians so unique, try out your best frog calls, and enjoy a hands-on craft activity to take home. Then, head to the Garden’s ponds with your new knowledge to look and listen for amphibians in their habitat! All ages welcome....
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Urban Forestry & Birds
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis talk will offer an introduction to Urban Forestry, highlighting its importance to birds and how we can contribute to its health. Hannah will cover the various components of your urban forest, its role as a habitat, its connection to bird migration, and the relationships between birds and people. Additionally, there will be a high-level overview of tree ordinances to inform the community about how decisions regarding the tree canopy are made.
Nature Tales: Fairy Tales
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesJoin us for a story hour filled with enchanting tales about fairies, forests, and a bit of make-believe magic. After the stories, let your imagination soar as we build fairy homes using nature's supplies. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to take a walk!
This family-friendly program has been designed especially for children ages 3–7. FREE, but registration is required.
Spring Break Camp (for ages 6-8)
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesEnjoy a full week of nature adventures at the Garden this spring break! Campers will become springtime explorers, discovering the wonders of the season as they search for signs of new life in ponds, forests, and gardens. From spotting animals emerging from hibernation to uncovering plants as they begin to bloom, each day will be filled with exciting hands-on activities and outdoor time. In addition to nature exploration, campers will enjoy lively games, storytelling, and spring-themed crafts. With small groups and experienced environmental educators, this camp promises a fun and educational spring break experience!