The classes, winter hikes and summer programs invite children to use their youthful energy to enjoy the outdoors. Seedlings will practice kindness towards all living beings, develop confidence by testing self-imposed limits, and work individually and cooperatively.

   

Education and Play are at the heart of everything we do.

Toggle to explore our classes and summer programs.

 SPRING 2023

Lottery for Fall 2023 will be in July

To receive up to date information, sign up for the Avalon Nature Preserve email list in the green banner at the bottom of this page.

Class fee for all sessions: $50  (nonrefundable)

BACKPACK BABY

Thursdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Age: Parents/Caregivers with babies
(Birth to non-walking)

A 1 hour class for parents-caregivers of babies who are not yet walking. Strap on your baby and hike through trails as we sing, and take in the sights, smells and sounds of Avalon.

Class Dates

March 23 (postponed)

March 30

April 20

April 27

May 4

May 18

May 25 (from raindate)

June 8

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

TENDERFOOT TODDLERS

Wednesdays: 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Age: 15 months to 2.8 years at the start of program

Specially designed for the new or seasoned walker, we will explore Avalon in small segments concentrating on rocks, leaves, dirt and more! This is a parent, caregiver, grandparent/child class.

Class Dates:

March 8

March 22

April 12

April 19

May 10

May 24

June 7

June 14

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

STICKS STONES AND STORIES: MONDAYS A.M. CLASS

Mondays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Age: 3-4 years old along with a parent/guardian

Let’s look and listen to learn about our surroundings at Avalon while we walk, run and laugh our way through the fields. Stories and a creative project in the barn too!

Class Dates:

March 6

March 20

April 17

April 24

May 8

May 22

June 5

June 12

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

STICKS STONES AND STORIES:
TUESDAYS  P.M. CLASS  1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Age: 3-4 years old along with a parent/guardian

Let’s look and listen to learn about our surroundings at Avalon while we walk, run and laugh our way through the fields. Stories and a creative project in the barn too!

Class Dates:

March 14

March 28

April 11

April 25

May 16

May 30

June 6

June 13

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

NATURAL PATTERNS FOR KINDERGARTNERS

Mondays: 4:30–6:00 p.m.

Age: For kindergartners only

This cozy group designed with the kindergartner in mind, will include hikes, stories and related projects. We will explore the beauty of Avalon together and seek out the hidden patterns of nature.

Class dates:

March 6

March 20

April 17

April 24

May 8

May 22

June 5

June 12

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

NATURAL PATTERNS FOR GRADES 1-2

Tuesdays: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Age: Grades 1-2 only

Observe your surroundings to decipher nature’s hidden beauty. Make some new friends and become a nature detective while on our hikes.

Class dates:

March 14

March 28

April 11

April 25

May 16

May 30

June 6

June 13

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

NATURAL PATTERNS FOR GRADES 3-4

Wednesdays: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Age: Grades 3-4 only

Observe your surroundings to decipher nature’s hidden beauty. Make some new friends and become a nature detective while on our hikes.

Class dates:

March 8

March 22

April 12

April 26

May 10

May 24

June 14

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

Inspirations for Grades 5-6

Thursdays: 4:30–6:00 p.m.

Age: Grades 5-6 only

Let’s hit the trails and explore Avalon. We’ll build, create and learn about the importance of nature in our world.

Class dates:

March 16

March 30

April 13

April 27

May 11

May 25

June 15

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

Grade 7

Wednesdays: 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Age: Grade 7,  12-13 year olds

Building our adventurers a bridge to our fantastic Nature Initiative program at age 13! Miss Sue joins forces with members of the local environmental community to engage young adults in meaningful hands-on experiential learning. These learning sessions will be supplemented by time spent hiking and applying newly learned skills on the trails at Avalon. Participants will also have the opportunity to work alongside current Nature Initiative members during a select number of volunteer projects.

Class dates:

March 15

March 29

April 19

May 3

May 17

June 7

THE LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED

Seedlings Summertime Program 2023

THE LOTTERY IS NOW OVER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS

You will notified of the lottery results by Tuesday, May 30th

Program Dates are Listed Below

 

To receive up to date information, sign up for the Avalon Nature Preserve email list in the green banner at the bottom of this page.

AVALON ADVENTURERS

Group size: 8-10
Age: Children entering Grades 4 through 6th
Cost: $55 per child
Monday through Thursday from 10am-1:00pm.

For the future environmentalists. We’ll head out into the woods, fields and visit the ponds to look more closely at the ecosystems of Avalon with a fun and creative twist.  All classes begin and end at the barn.

Session 1

July 17 – 20

The Lottery is Complete

Session 2:

August 7-10

The Lottery is Complete

AVALON EXPLORERS

Group size: 8-10 
Age:
Children entering K through grade 3
Cost: $55 per child
Monday through Thursday from 10am-1:00pm.

Specially tailored for the younger visitors to Avalon. We’ll spend our days outside learning about the creatures at Avalon while making some awesome crafts and hiking!  All classes begin and end at the barn.

Session 1:

July 10-13

The Lottery is Complete

Session 2:

July 31 – August 3

The Lottery is Complete

Please contact Miss Sue with any questions.

Contact

Blog: Seedlings Shared

An Outdoor Educator's Perspective
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MEET MISS SUE

An avid lover of the outdoors, Sue Wahlert is a certified teacher with over 30 years of experience. She has spearheaded and taught our Seedlings programs for over nine years. Sue’s BA in psychology and MS Ed. in special education lay the foundation for her work with children in preschools, elementary schools, museums and park settings.

The core of Miss Sue’s teaching philosophy revolves around the importance of play, compassion for others and community among children. These elements create a safe and nurturing setting for learning and making new friends.

Memories of her childhood days and nights spent outside playing continue to energize Miss Sue. She enjoys backpacking, camping, hiking, gardening, canoeing, singing made up songs, and sitting by a campfire.

Email Miss Sue