Botanical Illustration – Biodiversity University
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontThis class will focus on botanical illustrations at all scales, from the whole plant down to its smallest parts. At times we’ll practice with magnification, measurements, maps, and diagrams to expand our techniques. We’ll work primarily with graphite pencils and technical pens, and move into watercolor and colored pencils on our final day together.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontTuesdays, March 14 - June 6 | 10:00 - noon | Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup is a free, weekly activity for families to gather, learn, and play in nature. Guided by the idea that children need to spend ample time outdoors, we offer a community experience in the world of nature and will model ways the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play.
Inclusive Kayaking Outing with Northeast Disabled Athletics Association, South Hero Land Trust, and North Branch Nature Center
Lake Iroquois VT, United StatesThis adaptive kayaking series is an opportunity for community members who want to learn about kayaking or get back out on the water, but can’t use a standard kayak, to use an adaptive kayak with support. Naturalists from North Branch Nature Center will join the outings to help create a deeper experience for the paddlers.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
Vermont Master Naturalist for Educators
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontThis course for middle and high school educators is a unique collaboration between North Branch Nature Center and Vermont Master Naturalist. It is a place-based, integrated training in interpreting the local landscape and applying that training to 5th-12th grade classrooms and curricula. Each day immerses in a different ecosystem, exploring the pieces, patterns, and processes driving local ecology. We’ll practice field-based activities and classroom-based extensions aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Proficiency-Based Learning frameworks.
Songs and S’mores
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontCome join us for an evening of songs and s’mores as we gather around the campfire to share each other's company and revel in the joy of summer! This is a family friendly event and we welcome people of all ages!
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
Slow Birding – Biodiversity University
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontSounds a bit strange, “slow birding.” Watching birds isn’t really fast in the first place and the pace of a birder in the field is already slow and methodical. But, it is possible to change how we approach traditional birding and what we get out of it. Slow Birding is a practice that builds a deeper observation of birds while at the same time creating a deeper connection to yourself and the place you live.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through September 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required PLEASE WEAR SANDALS OR WATER SHOES for the July 9 romp. This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature together and sharing in the discoveries offered up by the landscape. Each outing features…
POSTPONED – Habitat Restoration Volunteer Day at NBNC
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontThis summer we are continuing to restore habitat by removing invasive plant populations, caring for newly planted trees, and maintaining beaver deterrents. Look forward to meeting and learning about plants native to our riparian habitats and enjoy caring for the land in the company of fellow nature lovers. We will need plenty of volunteers to help get this work done!
ECO Institute: Nature-Based Routines for Outdoor Classrooms
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontFor elementary and middle school educators. The purpose of this ECO introductory course for elementary and middle school educators is to apply integrated academic curricula beyond the classroom, while immersing in and participating with nature as a learning partner. The course provides inquiry-based learning through intensive experiential lessons, activities, and discussions held entirely outdoors.
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup – Special Post-Flood Session!
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWe are offering a special session of Robin's Nest Nature Playgroup this Saturday to give families a break from flood cleanup and a chance to gather in community. Our Nature Playscape was undamaged by the flooding and is ready for play, and we'll have lemonade and cookies for all. Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup is a free activity for families to gather, learn, and play in nature. Guided by the idea that children need to spend ample time outdoors, we offer a community experience in the world of nature and will model ways the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play.
CANCELLED – Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontCANCELLED FOR JULY 16 due to flood damage to NBNC trails Weekly on Sunday Mornings — June through September 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature together and sharing in the discoveries offered up by the landscape. Each outing features…
Backpacking in the Green Mountains (Grades 7-9)
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontOn this 5 day backpacking trip, our team of participants will learn the basics of wilderness safety, backpacking/camping techniques, and navigation along with camp craft such as cooking, site selection, Leave-No-Trace ethics, and Team & Leadership skills.
NBNC Member Night
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontPlease join us for our first ever NBNC Member Night! This free event will be a casual, fun evening for members to get to know each other and NBNC staff and board members.
Summer Birding with NBNC (Cancelled July 21)
A casual morning of birding suitable for all interests and experience levels. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, kindle new friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment where questions and shared discoveries are encouraged.
Mosses and the Dry-rich Community – A Northern Forest Atlas Day Course
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontQuarry Hill is a dry low-elevation marble hill with an exceptionally diverse flora. Marble hills rare in the Northern Forest Region. Some of the best are in western New England. This one, which has been famous botanically since the early 1900s, is one of the best of the best. We will focus on limestone mosses and also look at some distinctive woody plants, herbs, and indicators. A Northern Forest Atlas day course hosted by NBNC's Biodiversity University.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
ECO Institute: Natural History Fundamentals for Educators
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontFor elementary and middle school educators. This goal of this course is to deepen our understanding of the natural landscape and learn how to utilize this knowledge to build a partnership with the land that meets the needs of all students. Participants will develop a foundation of natural history knowledge through immersive study of bird language, tree and plant identification, wild edible safety, geology, and stream ecology. We will practice techniques for achieving a deeper level of inquiry and observation in nature while learning hands-on methods for embedding this knowledge into outdoor lessons and making classroom connections. The routines that we build throughout the week are designed to deepen your class’s sense of place within the outdoor learning environment.
Inclusive Kayaking Outing with Northeast Disabled Athletics Association, South Hero Land Trust, and North Branch Nature Center
Waterbury Reservoir VT, United StatesThis adaptive kayaking series is an opportunity for community members who want to learn about kayaking or get back out on the water, but can’t use a standard kayak, to use an adaptive kayak with support. Naturalists from North Branch Nature Center will join the outings to help create a deeper experience for the paddlers.
Songs and S’mores
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontCome join us for an evening of songs and s’mores as we gather around the campfire to share each other's company and revel in the joy of summer! This is a family friendly event and we welcome people of all ages!
Summer Birding with NBNC
A casual morning of birding suitable for all interests and experience levels. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, kindle new friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment where questions and shared discoveries are encouraged.
Old Forest Ecology – Biodiversity University
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontThe course will provide an introduction to old forests, including their forms, functions, and inhabitants. Each day will explore an old forest field site in Northern Vermont, combined with time back at NBNC to share slides and discuss concepts in a classroom setting.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
ECO Institute: Nature-Based Routines for Outdoor Classrooms
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontFor preschool and kindergarten educators. This course applies early childhood learning curricula beyond the classroom, while immersing in and participating with nature as a learning partner. The course provides inquiry-based learning through intensive experiential lessons, provocations and discussions held entirely outdoors.
Paddling in the Adirondacks (Grades 7-9)
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontOn this 5 day canoe trip, our team of participants will learn boating safety, paddling techniques, and navigation along with camp craft such as cooking, site selection, Leave-No-Trace ethics, and Team & Leadership skills.
Summer Birding with NBNC
A casual morning of birding suitable for all interests and experience levels. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, kindle new friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment where questions and shared discoveries are encouraged.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup (Summer Session)
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup is a free, weekly activity for families to gather, learn, and play in nature. Guided by the idea that children need to spend ample time outdoors, we offer a community experience in the world of nature and will model ways the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play.
Summer Birding with NBNC
A casual morning of birding suitable for all interests and experience levels. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, kindle new friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment where questions and shared discoveries are encouraged.
Wasps of New England – Biodiversity University
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontThis course will teach people how to easily identify wasps to family level while out in the field, and by the end of it our most ubiquitous, as well as many of our lesser-seen wasps will be easily identified by the participants. The course will take place primarily out in the fields and woods of the expansive land of North Branch, but will also be offset by short lectures to learn the distinguishing morphology of the wasps we encounter.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup (Summer Session)
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup is a free, weekly activity for families to gather, learn, and play in nature. Guided by the idea that children need to spend ample time outdoors, we offer a community experience in the world of nature and will model ways the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play.
Songs and S’mores
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontCome join us for an evening of songs and s’mores as we gather around the campfire to share each other's company and revel in the joy of summer! This is a family friendly event and we welcome people of all ages!
Summer Birding with NBNC
A casual morning of birding suitable for all interests and experience levels. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, kindle new friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment where questions and shared discoveries are encouraged.
Art Gallery Reception – Patty Meriam: The Longest Branch
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontPlease join us at North Branch Nature Center for an evening celebrating Patty Meriam's artwork. Tour the gallery, meet the artist, and enjoy some refreshments.
Summer Nature Romp
North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, VermontWeekly on Sunday Mornings — June through August 10 am - noon | Adults and families welcome FREE | No registration required This new, weekly gathering is about exploring nature…
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup (Summer Session)
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup is a free, weekly activity for families to gather, learn, and play in nature. Guided by the idea that children need to spend ample time outdoors, we offer a community experience in the world of nature and will model ways the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play.
Summer Birding with NBNC
A casual morning of birding suitable for all interests and experience levels. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, kindle new friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment where questions and shared discoveries are encouraged.
