Students learn about water systems by exploring our local watersheds. We'll take measurements and conduct water quality tests to determine the health of the North Branch River. Then we'll look for macroinvertebrates, tiny creatures who can tell us even more about the health of the river.

This lesson depends on the height of the North Branch River — if the river is too high, you will need to choose a different theme.

Birds are one of the most readily observable groups of animals out there, making them easy to study with students. We’ll learn basic bird identification techniques, as well as how to use binoculars to observe birds in the field. We'll play games about migration, do a bird identification scavenger hunt, and go on a birding walk.

Students will learn all about what makes a forest a forest, exploring the ingredients that make up the forest ecosystem. We'll learn about how trees grow and survive, how to identify the different trees that make up our local woods, and calculate how old the forest is. Then we'll explore what other creatures are part of the forest ecosystem by exploring the local food web and decomposers.

How do animals survive in the winter? They prepare in the fall of course! In this lesson, students will learn about a variety of animal adaptations for surviving the winter. We'll cache food like a squirrel, find a safe place to hibernate like a bear, and move around in migration like the birds.

NBNC offers many opportunities to help take care of the land and maintain diverse habitats for animals. Students will learn about biodiversity, its importance to ecosystems, and how we can help foster it at the nature center. Students will wrap up the day with a hands-on stewardship project, such as invasive plant removal or native tree planting.

Spend the day outdoors, following tracks of animals and get a glimpse into their secret lives.  Learn more about their adaptations for survival, how they move across the landscape, and view some trail camera footage of real animals found on our property.