Family and Group Nature Programs

Get Out and Explore Walks

Winter is an exciting time to explore the trails and waterways of Winding Trails. The leaves are down and it is possible to see things hidden during the other seasons. The January walk will focus on the ice that covers Walton Pond and Dunning Lake which will allow us to explore how different bodies of water freeze over and to explore above and below the ice. The February walk will focus on the snow types and explore the clues that the animals leave as footprints, food remains and scat. The March walk will focus on the hopeful arrival of spring and the exploration of our vernal pools. Miss Judy will bring what is needed for the exploration and her love and knowledge of nature. You just bring your curiosity, layered clothes to stay warm, and a pair of boots that are good for walking. Due to any change in our winter weather conditions, a new walk topic will be substituted as necessary.

Session I - Explore the Ice at Walton Pond & Dunning Lake
Date: Sunday, January 28th
Session II - Snow Types & Animal Tracking
Date: Sunday, February 25th
Session III - Vernal Pools & Signs of Spring
Date: Sunday, March 25th
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Ages: All ages
Where: Garmany Hall
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00
Families: $20.00
Member Discount Fee: $15.00

Explore the Night Walks

New for 2007 are evening night walks with Miss Judy that will be held on Saturday nights to explore the night sky for seasonal constellation identification or full moon trail explorations. Some special events will occur for a meteor shower, a lunar eclipse, or any other night sky event. Dress in warm layers with gloves, a hat, and boots for warmth; bring your binoculars and/or telescopes for night viewing: and red light flashlights, so we can see, not loose our night vision, and not disturb the wildlife. The evening starts with a short introduction inside to learn what we will be looking for that night. Return to a fire, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy a warm drink.

Session I - Explore the Winter Constellations
Date: Saturday, January 20th
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Session II - Winter Wildlife at Winding Trails Walk
Date: Saturday, February 3rd
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Session III - View the Total Lunar Eclipse (Starts at 5:00p.m)
Date: Saturday, March 3rd
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Ages: All Ages
Where: Garmany Hall
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00
Families: $20.00
Member Discount Fee: $15.00

Nature Hut Drop In

So you have a day off from school and want to get outside! Drop in at the Nature Hut with Miss Judy to do some exploring and science experiments. These informal programs are for all ages so adults may come as individuals or groups, children can invite your adult caregiver(s) or parent(s) to join you or get dropped off for those in 1st grade and older.

Session I - December Vacation
Date: Wednesday, December 27th
Session II - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Date: Monday, January 15th
Session III - Presidents Day
Date: Monday, February 19th
Session IV - Farmington Teacher Professional Day
Date: Monday, March 19th

Open Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Ages: All Ages Welcome
Location: The Nature Hut
Fees: Donations are accepted for this informal program

Nature Rangers for Ages 3 to 2nd Grade

Night Sky Explorations

Turn your eyes to the night sky to discover the moon, stars, constellations, and other amazing space objects. Miss Judy will introduce the wonders found in the night sky with hands-on experiments and fun at-home activities you can show your parents. Come dressed for the weather and wear good snow boots.

Date: Fridays, January 5th, 12th & 19th
Snow date: January 26th
Times: 3 & 4 year olds, 9:45am – 11:00am
4 & 5 year olds, 1:15pm – 2:30pm
Grades K-2nd, 4:45pm – 6:00pm
Where: Garmany Hall
Fee:
Individuals: $ 35.00
Member Discount Fee: $ 30.00

Water, Ice and Snow

Miss Judy will lead you through hands-on experiments with water to find out how it works in its many forms – solid, liquid, and gas. Can you float a paper clip? Do you know how to make frost? How much water is in an inch of snow? Hands-on activity sheets will be supplied so you can continue the exploring at home. Be sure to come dressed for the weather and don’t forget your snow boots.

Date: Fridays, February 2nd, 9th & 16th
Snow date: February 23rd
Times: 3 & 4 year olds, 9:45am – 11:00am
4 & 5 year olds, 1:15pm – 2:30pm
Grades K-2nd, 4:45pm – 6:00pm
Where: Garmany Hall
Fee:
Individuals: $ 35.00
Member Discount Fee: $30.00

Oceans of the World

Travel to each of the oceans in the world with Miss Judy to discover the kelp forests of the Pacific Ocean, the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, and the frozen world of the Arctic Ocean. Discover jellyfish, listen to whale calls, collect shells from a far off beach, and so much more! Be sure to come dressed for the weather and wear appropriate shoes.

Date: Fridays, March 2nd, 9th & 16th
Snow date: March 23rd
Times: 3 & 4 year olds, 9:45am – 11:00am
4 & 5 year olds, 1:15pm – 2:30pm
Grades K-2nd, 4:45pm – 6:00pm
Where: Garmany Hall
Fee:
Individuals: $ 35.00
Member Discount Fee: $ 30.00

Young Scientists for Grades 3rd – 6th
Are you too old for Nature Rangers? Do you still want to do science with Miss Judy based on your grade and ability level? Then join her for special one day classes that will introduce you to a topic, plus give you take-home activities so you can continue the fun. Be sure you come dressed for the weather and wear shoes or boots for the outside portion of the activities.

Night Sky Explorations

Turn your eyes to the night sky to discover the moon, stars, constellations, and other amazing space objects. Miss Judy will introduce the wonders found in the night sky with hands-on experiments and fun at-home activities you can show your parents.

Date: Saturday, January 20th
Times: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: Grades 3rd to 6th
Where: The Lodge
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00

Water, Ice and Snow

Miss Judy will lead you through hands-on experiments with water to find out how it works in its many forms – solid, liquid, and gas. Can you float a paper clip? Do you know how to make frost? How much water is in an inch of snow?

Date: Saturday, February 3rd
Times: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: Grades 3rd to 6th
Where: The Lodge
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00

Oceans of the World

Travel to each of the oceans in the world with Miss Judy to discover the kelp forests of the Pacific Ocean, the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, and the frozen world of the Arctic Ocean. Discover jellyfish, listen to whale calls, collect shells from a far off beach, and so much more!

Date: Saturday, March 3rd
Times: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: Grades 3rd to 6th
Where: The Lodge
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00

Nature Programs for Adults

Exploring Nature + Science for Adults
These once-a-month explorations with Miss Judy will give you more information about a topic from our Sunday afternoon Get Out and Explore Walk or our Saturday evening Explore the Night Walk. These explorations will be hands-on so expect that you might get dirty or need to go off the trails. Be sure to be dressed for the weather and wear walking shoes or boots.

Introduction to Astronomy

Learn the science behind the winter constellations; practice using star charts; get information on the upcoming lunar eclipse in March; and receive some practical suggestions for viewing.

Date: Saturday, January 20th
Snow date: Sunday, January 21st
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: The Lodge
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00

Winter Wildlife & Tracking

Introduces the animals found on the property during winter; will provide information on how to recognize tracks and other clues animals leave behind; plus gives you in-the-field practice using these skills.

Date: Saturday, February 3rd
Snow date: Sunday, February 4th
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: The Lodge
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00

Spring Awakenings

This will provide hands-on experience locating early spring plants; practice identifying spring frog calls; and a visit to one of our vernal pools—a spring breeding pool for frogs, salamanders, and invertebrate animals.

Date: Saturday, March 3rd
Snow date: Sunday, March 4th
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: The Lodge
Fees:
Individuals: $15.00
Member Discount Fee: $10.00

Educator Workshops

Project Learning Tree & Project Wild

Looking for new material to use with your students? Winding Trails is offering 6-hour workshops that can give you additional material to meet the needs of your school curriculum; new activities for your museum or nature center; a focus for the 4-H project your group is working on; or ideas for meeting Scout badge requirements. The attendees will meet with Judy Witzke, a trained facilitator, who will provide an active session, with indoor and outdoor activities, that samples the material offered in each program. A morning and afternoon break is provided and you will need to bring your lunch. Upon completion of each workshop, CEU’s are available to those teachers who need them for continuing education credits.

Project Learning Tree
Date: Saturday, March 10th
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Location: The Lodge – Conference Room
Fee: $35.00 made payable to the DEP for the Activity Book
Registration form is found at www.windingtrails.org

Project WILD
Date: Saturday, May 19th
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Location: The Lodge – Conference Room
Fee: $35.00 made payable to the DEP for the Activity Book
Registration form is found at www.windingtrails.org