The Arboretum is home to many types of animals – mammals, amphibians, birds, insects… Students will learn about habitats and adaptations by direct observation and hands-on activities. Possibilities include collecting insects, bird-watching, exploring animal homes and discovering who lives in our pond. The program can be seasonally adjusted and can be combined with indoor activities including owl pellet dissection.

We like to say that our Arboretum is a “tree museum” but it is also much more than that. Students will have the opportunity to find our what grows at Awbury from moss to our tallest tree. Plant-parts and their roles to what happens during seasonal changes will be covered at an age-appropriate level. A scavenger hunt gives students the chance for hands-on exploration while visiting different parts of the Arboretum.

Observing birds is a wonderful activity for students! Awbury’s birding program offers students, pre-k through middle school, a chance to see birds in different habitats as well as learn about adaptations and develop observation skills. Birds provide an opportunity to explore a variety of concepts including food webs, ecosystems and climate change. Over 125 different bird species have been seen at Awbury Arboretum over the last 15 years thanks to the many plants that provide food and cover for both year-round and migratory birds. Birding can be a stand alone program or combined with other Field Studies lessons.

The Arboretum has everything you need to survive but you may need the knowledge of the Lenape to do so. Students will learn about Lenape culture and diet and will get to see artifacts and play games that develop important skills needed for survival. A hike through the Arboretum will focus students’ attention on what life might have been like.

How would you live if you suddenly found yourself needing to survive at the Arboretum? There is a great deal to help you meet the basic needs of food, water and shelter if you only know where to look. Students will learn what plants contain effective bug protection, what trees store water and which ones have leaves that make good teas. Students will be challenged to think critically about what is necessary to survive. Can be connected with the Newbury award winning book, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen.

A seed lands on the ground – how did it get there, what will it turn into, what does it need to survive? Students will learn about the life cycle of a plant and the important work of leaves. Students will collect seeds during a hike through the Arboretum and during the fall, the bulb planting can be included as part of the visit.

People are naturally attracted to flowers, and it is a good thing that some animals are too! Students will learn about different plants and flowers by examining actual plant parts and taking a hike through the Arboretum. The important job of pollinators will be explored and students will learn about the amazing life of honey bees through hands-on activities.

Awbury is a wonderful place for our youngest learners with lots of opportunities for hands-on exploration. All of the programs listed above can be tailored for pre-K students, and we often include a 5 senses connection to the planned activities. We understand how important it is to encourage learning through playing.

Awbury’s Agricultural Village is a dynamic place with partners raising bees, chickens and goats, growing food that is sold in local markets and growing plants for dyeing fabric. There is even a food forest. Students will learn about the steps involved with growing food starting with seeds and extending through pollination and seasonal considerations.  The program can also include information about whole vs. processed foods and nutrition.

Hands-on goat programming can be included for an additional $3 fee.