Education

Program Types and Descriptions

Expert naturalist Vince Walsh leads a winter tracking program. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin

General Public and Children’s Programs.
Each year, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers dozens of outdoor and indoor programs, each addressing a different aspect of the natural world beyond our backdoors.  Many, but not all, programs are active and hands-on, involving a hike or a snowshoe to explore some of nature’s beauty and wonder.  Most programs are free.

Elementary School Outreach Program.
Local elementary schools students are exposed to the presence and importance of local at-risk species and habitats and ways they can make a positive difference.  Children in grades one through four participate in two science-based activity-filled 75-minute programs, one in the classroom and one at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  Themes include the Karner blue butterfly’s life cycle; its host plant, the wild blue lupine; other important native plant species comprising this important area; and, the role of fire in the Saratoga Sandplains ecosystem.  These engaging programs meet criteria set forth in the state’s core curriculum for elementary science.

Up close and personal with a Karner blue butterfly. Photo credit: Maryanne MacKenzie

Children’s and Youth Programming for Clubs and Groups.
Given the success of the elementary school outreach program and other children’s programs, we have broadened our curriculum and availability of programming to suit a variety of children’s groups.  Through this effort we aim to enhance awareness of this area’s unique habitats and diverse species.  Programs encourage the use of reasoning, math, art, writing and verbal skills to expand the children’s understanding of nature’s intricate web.  An informative catalog of children’s and youth program offerings lists available lessons that can be conducted at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park or off-site.  Download the catalog and registration form (PDF).

Children love spending time outdoors in nature. Photo credit: Dana McClure

Children’s Program Series.
The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers two children’s program series.  With the first, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park partners with the Wilton Recreation Department to present environmental education programs to summer campers.  Each week, campers visit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park where staff and trained volunteers teach theme-based programs.  Campers will also hike the trails, using their senses to discover, question, learn, and enjoy.  With the second series, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park recognizes national Environmental Education Week each April.  Three programs centering around a designated theme are presented.

Programs for Clubs and Civic Groups.
The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park accommodates as many requests for programs as possible.  Contact the Preserve & Park if you are interested in having an educational program at your site or at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

Children’s Program Catalog

Download the catalog and registration form (PDF).

Resources

The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers a variety of educational resources that can be accessed via this website.

Weather Data
The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park has its own weather station and site on the Weather Underground.  Access current or historic data for the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park!

Top Ten Lists
Volunteers have developed Top Ten lists to better acquaint visitors with local plant and animal life.  Each list is presented as a downloadable brochure that can be printed and taken along on one or more visits to the varied and ever changing lands comprising the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

Available brochures include:

• Birds
• Reptiles and Amphibians
• Butterflies
• Trees – Download the brochure (PDF)
• Wildflowers