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 CLASSES HAVE BEGUN

Thank you for your interest
Next lottery for September – December will be held in July.

Sign up for the  Avalon Nature Preserve email list in the green banner at the bottom of this page to receive up to date class information

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 beautiful baby and hike through trails as we sing, and take in the sights, smells and sounds of Avalon.

April 11 & 18

May 2, 9, 16 & 23

June 6 & 13

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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. All classes are held outside so dress for the weather.

March 13, 20 & 27

April 3 & 17

May 1, 8 & 15

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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 projects! All classes are outside so dress for the weather.

March 11, 18 & 25

April 8, 15 & 29

May 6 & 13

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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!  All classes are outside to dress for the weather.

April 30

May 7, 14, 21 & 28

June 4, 11 & 18

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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.   All classes are outside, so have your child dress for the weather.

March 11, 18 & 25

April 8, 15 & 29

May 6 & 13

Miss Phoebe’s Class

April 15, 29

May 6, 13, 20

June 3, 10 17

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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. All classes are outside, so have your child dress for the weather.

April 30

May 7, 14, 21 & 28

June 4, 11 & 18

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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. All classes are held outside. Please have your child dress for the weather.

March 13, 20 & 27

April 3 & 17

May 1, 8 & 15

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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.

April 11 & 18

May 2, 9 16 & 23

June 6 & 13

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Grade 7

Various Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays (Must be able to attend all dates)

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.

Thursdays: March 14, 21 & 28

Tuesdays: April 2, 9 & 16

Wednesday: May 22 & 29 (graduation from the Seedlings Program)

THE LOTTERY IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

 
 

Seedlings Summertime Program 2024

Lottery: May 1, 2, 3

Program Dates announced April 2024

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

Please contact Miss Sue with any questions.

Contact

 

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.

The Lottery opens May 2024 – Stay tuned for the dates

 

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.

The Lottery opens in May 2024 – Stay tuned for the dates

 

Blog: Seedlings Shared

An Outdoor Educator's Perspective
View All Posts

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 since 2013. 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