This spring, engage your young child with nature through Adkins Arboretum’s Nature Preschool Programs. Led by Arboretum Youth Program Coordinator Jenny Houghton, this popular series of six classes for three- to five-year-olds is offered on Tuesday mornings beginning April 8.
Advance registration is required for preschool programs. The fee is $55 for members, $70 for non-members for all six classes in the series. A $10 discount is offered for siblings. Classes run from 10 to 11:15 a.m. and include a craft and a healthy snack. Enrollment is limited, so early registration is recommended. For more information or to register, visit adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.
Programs include:
Wiggly Worms
April 8
Welcome to the wiggly world of worms! Did you know that worms are a gardener’s best friend? Enjoy a walk to the Funshine Garden, where we will peek into a composting “worm hotel” and dig for worms in the soil. We’ll also sing a “Wiggle and Waggle” song and snack on garden veggies.
Incredible Eggs
April 15
Help crack the mystery of the incredible egg! How are eggs formed? How do they hatch? Which animals lay eggs? Young nature detectives will conduct an egg-periment, hunt for eggs in the meadow, and use natural dyes to color eggs.
Hay Bale Garden
April 22
Let’s make hay while the sun shines! We’ll plant hay bale lettuce in the Funshine Garden, visit the Arboretum’s goat herd, and share a picnic snack. We’ll also make spongy alfalfa “hay bales” to take home.
Wildflower Wonderland
April 29
Follow enchanted woodland paths in search of spring wildflowers. Virginia bluebells, native azalea, dogwood, and lady’s slippers are sure to delight. Woodland sprites will make flower crowns and play a game of fairy tag.
Butterfly Ball
May 6
The butterflies are back! Explore the butterfly’s transformation from lowly caterpillar to winged beauty, and flutter your wings to the tune of the “Butterfly Ball.” We’ll look for butterflies and caterpillars in the Funshine Garden and make glittery butterfly masks.
Pollywog Adventure
May 13
No need to feel stuck in a bog! Spring is in full swing, and so are the Arboretum peepers! We’ll stomp our feet to the “Pollywog Wiggle,” make a froggy craft, and get up close and personal with our tadpole friends on the wetland boardwalk.
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