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.
ContactBlog: Seedlings Shared
An Outdoor Educator's Perspective
MEDITATIVE JOURNEY, KID STYLE
May 11, 2023
May 10, 2023 It occurred only inches apart. A meditation circle and “let me be one with the earth” experiences […]
Read Post
LETTING GO
May 1, 2023
May 1, 2023 Spring is the sweet season of renewal. Birds are calling out to one another. The flowers show […]
Read Post
ALL SHE NEEDS
February 23, 2023
February 22, 2023 Working with children in the outdoors affords me numerous opportunities to observe subtleties of their behaviors. It […]
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 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
