Inspired by one of the great naturalists of the 19th century, Enos Mills, each excursion will take us on an adventure as we explore away from the main trails. Our 182-acre “classroom” is rich with diverse habitats, including streams, forests, wetlands, beaver ponds, and open meadows. This three-week series runs weekly on Thursday afternoons. $30 members; $45 public. Pre-registration is required and the price includes all three weeks. Program designed for children ages 5-13. Themes for each week are listed below, so get ready for some December exploration!
Register for Trail School: December Explorations!
Tracking the Boundaries
December 3, 2020 from 1-4pm
Can you find evidence of animals? This week we’ll hike the Boundary Trail to stumble across different
animal tracks and leave some of our own. What are the animals up to? What stories do their tracks have to tell? Only one way to know – get out there!
High Hills Navigation
December 10, 2020 from 1-4pm
Let’s go for a hike and forget your compass! This week we are going to tune into our surroundings and
traverse the high hills of Baltimore Woods using natural landscapes as our navigation guide.
The Abandoned Tree Farm
December 17,2020 from 1-4pm
Did you know there was once a Christmas Tree Farm at Baltimore Woods? This week we’ll go in search of the forgotten trees and discover how they are doing an important job for winter wildlife.
What can you expect from Trail School? This program focuses on child-led learning through play and exploration with the guidance of a naturalist who knows the preserve and the skills to encourage discovery, inquiry, experimentation, and imagination. Each day will include a hike through the forests and fields, often away from the main trail system. Naturalists will have field guides, magnifying lenses, observation jars, and other tools of discovery to help children deepen their curiosity and facilitate on-the-spot learning. Of course, nature itself will provide anything else we need, and there will be time for free play and the space for each child to connect with nature in their own way. Our naturalists are all CPR and First Aid certified, carry first aid kits and two-way radios, and are ready to keep the fun and exploration safe for your child.
More details: This program is planned to be entirely outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Lessons are suited for ages 5-13. Students must pre-register for the entire series. Adults are encouraged, but not required to join the group, and must stay on-site during the program. Bring a water bottle and a small snack. At Baltimore Woods Nature Center, the health and safety of our staff and visitors is of utmost importance. All in-person programming will follow best practices for keeping our participants safe, including health screenings, physical distancing and wearing facial coverings.
