Garden Buds at Shaw Nature Reserve

Explore the beauty and natural wonders of Shaw Nature Reserve with your preschooler!  Designed for three–to–five year olds accompanied by an adult, monthly activities in the spring and fall address early childhood curiosities about the natural world. 

Each 21/2 –hour class will include hands-on

activities, story, snack and a craft. 

Cost of a three-class series is $50 ($45 for Garden members). Individual classes are $18 ($16 for Garden members).  Cost includes child and adult.       Fall 2007 Schedule

Our goal is to help families learn together, share in the joy of natural outdoor experiences, and discover the interconnectedness of all living and nonliving things.  Use one of the following activity guides or kits to enhance your families experience at Shaw Nature Reserve.

“A Children’s Guide to Nature at Shaw Nature Reserve”- this activity uses the five senses to help young children discover the wonders of nature.

$.50/pamphlet

“Treasures of Nature Map” – this scavenger hunt is designed to be used on Wolf Run Trail (1 mile) and uses the five senses to focus on nature. Children can color the  map when they get home!

$1.00

"Wetland Trail Guide”- This trail guide focuses on the wetland complex of the Reserve and is to be used along the one-mile Wetland Trail loop. This informative trail guide includes activities for children to do along the walk.

$1.00

“Freddie the Fish” Activity Pack – This fun activity pack has everything you and your family need to determine whether Wolf Run Lake is a suitable habitat for Freddie the Fish.  Collect aquatic organisms and conduct chemical tests to determine the quality of the water with this self-contained kit designed for children 10 and older assisted by an adult.  Record all of your data in the accompanying booklet to see if this is a great place for Freddie to live.

$4 to checkout the pack (includes 1 booklet); $1 for additional booklets Reservations required

“Little Acorn Trail” - Take your young learners on an exciting adventure along this easy self-guided trail.  Pick up a key and backpack at the Visitor Center containing everything you’ll need as you unlock the activity boxes along your hike. You’ll learn about camouflage as you look for the “magic bunnies” or discover how soil is made.Discover lots of hands-on activities about birds, plants, animal tracks, weather and much more.  There is no starting point, no order in which the activity boxes must be found and no minimum number of stations you  must complete. Just start on any one of the three segments and complete as many activities as you want.

$3.00 Reservations required

"Self Guided Interpretive Trail" - This winding forest trail is easily implemented by teachers with a class of up to 30 students.  Upon arrival to the Reserve, the leader will pick up a pack at the Visitor Center that contains everything that is needed to facilitate this program.  Using hands-on activities, the trail focuses on developing an understanding and appreciation for the Earth and its life.  Students investigate a decomposing log; observe small natural objects under magnifying lenses; discover how seeds are dispersed;  and try to make their own soil.

Concepts covered: Communities, seed dispersal, soil formation,plant growth, decomposition and invasive species.

Reservations required

Grades: 1-8 (Highly recommended for scout groups)

March-November

Limit: 30 students

Fee: $ .50 per student

Geocaching at SNR

There are 6 geocaches hidden on the property.  If you have a GPS unit you can participate in this fun new sport.  Cache descriptions

Coming Soon: 3 new packs exploring trees, pollinators, and birds! Look for them in the winter or spring at the Visitor Center.

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