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.
Fall 2021 Seedlings Class Lottery Information
Fall lottery will open Monday, August 2nd
Closes Wednesday, August 4th
To receive up to date information sign up for the Avalon Nature Preserve email list which can be found at https://avalonnaturepreserve.org
Each Fall class, of 6-8 children, will be formed by random selections from a lottery.
All classes are held outside rain or shine.
Enjoy your summer outside!!!
Miss Sue
BACKPACK BABY
Thursdays: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Dates available July 30
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.
Dates available July 30
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.
Dates will be available July 30
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.
Dates will be available July 30
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.
Dates will be available July 30
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.
Dates will be available July 30
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.
Dates will be available July 30.
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
Tuesdays: 4:30-5:45 p.m
Dates will be available July 30
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!
LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2021
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTRIES!!!
AVALON ADVENTURERS
Group size: 8-10
Age: Children entering Grades 4 through 6th
Cost: $50 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. Children and adults participating in the program must wear masks.
Session 1 July 19 – 22
LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED
Session 2 August 9-12.
LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED
AVALON EXPLORERS
Group size: 8-10
Age: Children entering K through grade 3
Cost: $50 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. Children and adults participating in the program must wear masks.
Session 1 July 26-29.
LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED
Session 2 August 16-19.
LOTTERY IS NOW CLOSED
Please contact Miss Sue with any questions.
ContactBlog: Seedlings Shared
An Outdoor Educator's Perspective
WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
June 21, 2021
June 11, 2021 A mother and son playing. So simple but so meaningful. Play is the gateway to knowledge, experimentation, successes and […]
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CAN YOU SEE IT?
June 1, 2021
May 30, 2021 Rainy days are great for reflecting, getting things done, planning and sometimes letting your brain take you […]
Read Post
“WHEN I AM OLDER”
May 22, 2021
May 21, 2021 As I strolled ahead of the 5th & 6th grade girls on the trail into the woods, “L” raised the topic of […]
Read Post
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
