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 2021 Seedlings Class Lottery is Now Closed
We will kick off our programs this March! The groups will be small but there will be two six week sessions.
Each class will be formed by random selections from a lottery.
Lottery selections will be made on Tuesday February 9th.
You will receive an email regarding the results.
All classes will utilize the safety protocols set forth by CDC recommendations. Masks need to be worn by those 2 years and older.
All classes will be held outside rain or shine. There are no refunds.
Cost is $45 per session (6 classes)
BACKPACK BABY
Thursdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Session 1: March 25 April 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6
Session 2: May 13, 20, 27 June 3, 10 , 17
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.
Lottery is now Closed
TENDERFOOT TODDLERS
Wednesdays: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Session 1: March 24 April 7, 14, 21, 28 May 5
Session 2: May 12, 19, 26 June 2, 9, 16
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.
The Lottery is Now Closed
STICKS STONES AND STORIES: MONDAYS A.M. CLASS
Mondays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Session 1: March 22 April 12, 19, 22, 26 May 3
Session 2: May 10, 17, 24. June 7, 14, 21
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!
The Lottery is Now Closed
STICKS STONES AND STORIES:
TUESDAYS P.M. CLASS 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Session 1: March 23 April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4
Session 2: May 11, 18, 25 June 1, 8, 15
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!
The Lottery is Now Closed
NATURAL PATTERNS FOR KINDERGARTNERS
Mondays: 4:15–5:45 p.m.
Session 1: March 22 April 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3
Session 2: May 10, 17, 24 June 7, 14, 21
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.
The Lottery is Now Closed
NATURAL PATTERNS FOR GRADES 1-2
Tuesdays: 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
Session 1: March 23 April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4
Session 2: May 1, 18, 25 June 1, 8, 15
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.
The Lottery is Now Closed
NATURAL PATTERNS FOR GRADES 3-4
Wednesdays: 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
Session 1: March 24 April 7, 14, 21, 28. May 5
Session 2: May 12, 19, 26 June 2, 9, 16
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.
The Lottery is Now Closed
Inspirations for Grades 5-6
Thursdays: 4:30–5:45 p.m.
Session 1: March 25 April 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6 Session 2: May 13, 20, 27 June 3, 10, 17
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.
The Lottery is Now Closed
Grade 7
Fridays: 4:30-5:45 p.m
One Session ONLY:
April 9, 16, 30 May 14, 28 June 4, 18 (graduation!)
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.
The Lottery is Now Closed
SUMMERTIME FUN 2021 STYLE!
COMING SOON…….
DATES FOR THE IN-PERSON SUMMER PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN LATE APRIL.
LOTTERY WILL TAKE PLACE IN LATE MAY
TO RECEIVE UP TO DATE INFORMATION PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE AVALON NATURE PRESERVE EMAIL LIST:
AVALON ADVENTURERS
Group size: 10
Age: Children entering Grades 4 through 6th
Cost: $50 per child
Monday through Thursday from 10am-12:30pm.
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.
AVALON EXPLORERS
Group size: 10
Age: Children entering K through grade 3
Cost: $50 per child
Monday through Thursday from 10am-12:30pm.
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!
Please contact Miss Sue with any questions.
ContactBlog: Seedlings Shared
An Outdoor Educator's Perspective
MILKWEED BUG INVASION!!
April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021 In a past blog I spoke of flow playing, but for this story I’d like to add […]
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LINES, THIS WAY AND THAT
March 26, 2021
March 25, 2021 Early childhood drawings are one of my favorite things! The primitive stylings of a 3 year old […]
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BIRDSONALITIES
March 18, 2021
March 18, 2021 Yes, that is one of my made up words, like nervacited and funtabulous. It was the word that […]
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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 six 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.
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 SueTake a look at what we've been up to!
Select a thumbnail to view more photos.
Backpack Baby
Tenderfoot Toddlers
Sticks, Stones and Stories: AM Class
Sticks, Stones and Stories: PM Class
Natural Patterns: Kindergartners
Natural Patterns: Grades 1-2
Natural Patterns: Grades 3-4
Grade 5 & 6
Grade 7
