Tuesdays, September 19–November 7, 2023
10–11:15 a.m. For children ages 3–5.
Fee: $100 members/$125 non-members for 8-week series. $10 sibling discount. Thanks to a generous grant from the PNC Foundation, the fee is waived for Caroline County residents.
Possums, squirrels, and owls—oh, my! Welcome fall with your preschooler at Adkins Arboretum. Classes include nature walks, stories, songs, snacks, and an art project to take home. An instant playgroup for caregivers and tots alike, the nature preschool helps children learn socialization skills while they explore the wonders of the great outdoors. Nature ABCs, 123s, and nursery rhymes are part of the fun. Space is limited. Advance registration is required; early registration is highly recommended.
PROGRAMS
BEAVER BLAST (September 19)
Did you know that the Arboretum has a resident beaver!? We'll take a wetland walk to see the home of Mr. Nibbles, learn how beavers are amazingly suited to their watery world, and use dip nets to find other wetland animals.
DISCOVERING DADDY LONGLEGS (September 26)
Peek aroung the stree stumps at First Light Village, and you'll be sure to find lots of daddy longlegs! We'll discover how daddy longlegs are different from spiders, have an eight-legged daddy longlegs race with our friends, and make silly daddy longlegs out of sweetgum balls.
TUCKING IN THE GARDEN (October 3)
Summer days are over, and it's time to prepare Emily's Play Garden for a nice winter nap. We'll tidy the garden beds, gather seeds, and look for signs of animals that might be cozying up in the garden for winter naps of their own.
ENCHANTED FOREST (October 10)
Get a sneak peek at forest preparations for the Arboretum's Fairyfest! We'll look for fairy houses along the woodland paths, shape spotty toadstools out of clay, and build tree ring castles in the Elven Village.
POSSUM MAGIC (October 17)
Although we seldom see them, these nocturnal marsupials are all around us! Listen as Ophelia Opossum, possum puppet extraordinaire, reveals the truth about possums. We'll also make paper possum mobiles and head outside to search for possum hideouts and tracks.
THE WHITE OAK HOTEL (October 24)
The amazing white oak tree is home to many creatures. Learn about the animals that depend on the white oak for food and shelter, make bark and leaf rubbings of a giant white oak tree, and create a cute acorn craft to take home.
WHOOO GOES THERE? (October 31)
What does a Great Horned Owl look and sound like? How about the tiny Saw-Whet Owl? We'll practice our owl calls and look for owl pellets in the meadow. We'll also make feathery owl masks and munch on Halloween snacks while listening to stories about the wise old owl. Costumes are welcome!
TURKEY TROT (November 7)
Did you know that the Arboretum is home to wild turkeys? We'll look for wild turkeys on a nature walk, make pinecone turkeys to decorate the Thanksgiving table, and experiment with feathers and flight. The "Turkey Waddle" dance routine is sure to entertain Thanksgiving guests.
