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 2023
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.
September 14, 21
October 5, 19
November 2, 9
December 7, 14
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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.
September 20, 27
October 4, 11
November 1, 15
December 6, 13
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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!
September 11,
October 2, 16, 30
November 6, 20
December 4, 11
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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!
September 19, 26
October 10, 17
November 14, 28
December 5, 12
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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.
September 11
October 2, 16, 30
November 6, 20
December 4, 11
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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.
September 19, 26
October 10, 17
November 14, 28
December 5, 12
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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.
September 13, 27
October 4, 11
November 1, 15
December 6, 13
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
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.
September 14, 21
October 5, 19
November 2, 9
December 7, 14
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
Grade 7
Wednesdays and Thursdays*: 4:30-6:00 p.m. (September – November)
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 be involved in a season long project, to be announced.
Please note three of the classes will be on Thursday (due to time constraint)
September 7th (Thursday)
September 20th ( Wednesday)
October 12th (Thursday)
October 18th ( Wednesday)
November 8th ( Wednesday)
November 16th (Thursday)
November 29th ( Wednesday)
The Lottery has ended for Fall 2023
Seedlings Summertime Program 2023
Program Dates are Listed Below
The lottery is now closed for the 2023 season
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 24- 27
The Lottery is Complete
Session 2:
July 31 – August 3
The Lottery is Complete
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Please contact Miss Sue with any questions.
ContactBlog: 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 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
