Wildlife Explorers Club (Grades 3-5)
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A nature discovery program for young adventurers!
Join local wildlife expert and Riverside Reptiles Education Center owner, Brian Kleinman, for an exciting journey into the wilds of East Granby! This hands-on adventure will take young nature enthusiasts deep into local habitats, where they'll uncover the secrets of the creatures that call them home.
We’ll spend most of our time exploring the diverse landscapes of East Granby Farms, with special excursions to Granbrook Park, Cowles Park, and Great Marsh & Beaver Dam Marsh.
Along the way, participants will learn the techniques field biologists use to find and observe wildlife responsibly, minimizing disturbance while collecting valuable data on the species we encounter.
This immersive experience is perfect for kids who love nature, want to sharpen their observation skills, and are eager to explore the great outdoors. Get ready to track footprints, listen for bird calls, and discover the hidden world of local wildlife!
Grades: 3-5
Dates: Mondays: April 20 - June 1 (no class 5/25)
Time: 4:30 - 5:45 pm
Locations: East Granby Farms, Great Marsh & Beaver Dam Marsh, Cowles Park, and Granbrook Park
Cost: $185
Enrollment is limited so register early!
4/20 – East Granby Farms
Introduction to Wildlife Watching
- Explore the diverse ecosystems of East Granby Farms.
- Learn how to find, identify, and observe wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
- Discover how to use field guides.
4/27 – Great Marsh & Beaver Dam Marsh (Meet at the bike path parking area off Copper Hill)
Swamp People
- Discover the difference between a wooded swamp (Great Marsh) and an open cattail marsh (Beaver Dam Marsh).
- Search for species that thrive under dense swamp canopies vs. open wetland areas.
- Explore hidden vernal pools and apply our wildlife tracking skills to record as many species as possible!
5/4 – East Granby Farms
Bug Safari
- Get up close and personal with the world of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
- Learn how to safely capture and observe tiny creatures.
- How many different species can we find!
5/11 – Cowles Park (Meet at Cowles Park)
Birdwatching for Beginners
- Focus on the fascinating world of birds (but don’t worry—we won’t overlook other cool creatures!).
- Learn how to properly use binoculars.
- Understand key techniques for bird identification and observation.
5/18 – Granbrook Park (Meet at Granbrook Park)
Stream Study
- Dive into one of Connecticut’s highest-rated water quality streams.
- Investigate the rich aquatic life that calls Salmon Brook home.
- Be prepared to get wet on this exciting water-based exploration!
6/1 – East Granby Farms
Wildlife Biologists in Action
- Put your new skills to the test with a final wildlife survey across East Granby Farms.
- Compare how ecosystems and animal activity have changed over the past 28 days.
- Enjoy a special visit from residents of Riverside Reptiles Education Center, where we’ll meet and learn about local snakes up close!
Physical Requirements
Participants should have the ability to walk at least one mile through various terrain (sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less) each session.
What to Wear/ Bring:
- Backpack to carry supplies.
- Binoculars (if you have a pair)
- Appropriate clothing and footwear for exploring and getting dirty. No sandals or open-toed shoes, comfortable boots or old sneakers are fine. Water shoes, boots, crocs, or old sneakers for Granbrook Park Stream Study (no bare feet).
- Water Bottle and snack if needed.
- Bug Spray – Feel free to bring bug spray but DO NOT spray it on before class. We will only use it if there are clouds of biting insects, which would be unusual for this time of year. Most Bug Sprays are toxic to some wildlife (and not great for our health either).
Important Notes
- Brian will send directions 24–48 hours before each class (if not at EG Farms).
- Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes early so students are ready to begin at 4:00 PM. We only have an hour and fifteen minutes to explore each habitat - and it goes fast!
Inclusion and ADA Accessibility
- East Granby Parks and Recreation is committed to providing inclusive and accessible programs for all individuals. We strive to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in our programs by those with disabilities or medical conditions.
- To ensure that adequate resources are in place for the participant, registration and accommodation requests must be received no later than two weeks prior to the start date of the program.
- Please contact Alicia Van Neil to request accommodation: (860) 653-7660 or aliciav@egtownhall.com.
- Additional information may be requested to better understand the participant’s needs.