According to educators at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, a great hike should be a workout for your body and your brain. That's why the Quechee nature center now offers a number of free Discovery Packs that families can sign out when they visit. Each pack — donated by Hubert's Family Outfitters in Lebanon, N.H. — is filled with field guides, storybooks, learning activities and interactive games that address themes such as trees, insects, birds and animal tracks. "We want to get [kids] out exploring nature," says Jenna Gersie, a VINS AmeriCorps member, and that's a mission easily accomplished at the center. In addition to nature trails, VINS also offers wildlife exhibits, public animal-feeding times and daily live-raptor programs.
Lincoln, VT
The Willowell Foundation offers a wide array of outdoor education opportunities for youth and adults in Addison County. Children in our programs have opportunities to connect deeply to the natural world, explore creatively, and learn from positive adult mentors. We foster environmental stewardship and engage community members through place-based learning.…(more)