Travel with a keen eye through the wetlands, woodlands, and farmlands of NorthWoods. Natural and human influence shape the history of these lands. This nature walk brings young naturalists to along our new interpretive Lang Brook Trail to a beaver lodge and dam, a glacial erratic, through a successionally-mixed forest, and along a century-old stone wall.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
NorthWoods is home to a resident Barred Owl, Oberon. Since 2005, when he was hit by a car on I-91 and blinded in one eye, Oberon has resided here at NorthWoods to serve as an educational ambassador for his wise, often silent and rarely-seen species. An interactive slideshow provides a glimpse into the unique adaptations, habitat, and habits of the owls of Vermont.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Learn about feathers and flight to prepare for an encounter with birds of the Northern Forest. Field guides and binoculars enhance students\u2019 learning as they identify common bird species of the region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
When winter snows provide their soft canvas for the paws and prints of our forest-dwelling neighbors, indoor instruction on tracking tips and identification will be put to practice in the snow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Students will discover the adaptations of the Northern Forest mammals they\u2019ve learned to track, from the unique footwear of the snowshoe hare to the beaver\u2019s impressive carpentry skills. Students will search out signs of these mammals and study first-hand how these adaptations help the animals survive the climate change of the seasons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Take a primer in the field of science illustration, where accuracy and detail combine both art and science. This workshop begins indoors with an introduction to the techniques, covering perspective, preparation of the illustrator\u2019s toolkit, and tips of the trade. From there, artists will head outside to field sketch, incorporating what they\u2019ve learned to what they see.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
A primer in digital cameras helps students take a close look at the natural world around them, and challenges them to capture their own unique perspective.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
NorthWoods\u2019 ponds are a perfect place for young biologists to learn about a pond\u2019s macro-invertebrates. Students become acquainted with aquatic life, which never ceases to amaze \u2013 from a seemingly empty container of water, students begin to see the teeming life inside: from the caddisfly\u2019s unique home to crayfish and salamanders. This workshop is hands-on and eyes-open. Students collect their own samples, identify, observe, and record their findings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Moving from the pond to the Clyde River\u2019s flat-water wetlands and curving oxbows, students will explore one of the most unique wetland complexes in the state, moving from classroom activities in this multi-day workshop to outdoor exploration. Combining recreation, fisheries, culture, history and habitat, we\u2019ll explore and celebrate the diversity and distinction of the river with pride.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>