Ready to get outside this summer? Horn Farm Center is launching a new program educational programs for families and youth:

Critter Crawl Series

Join us at Horn Farm for a family-friendly adventure into herpetology -the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians. Venture into the woods as we go “herping” – an exciting outdoor exploration to sight jumpy creatures. You’ll be turning over fallen logs, looking under rocks, and sticking your hands in the mud to uncover some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. 

Salamanders – April 6, 2024

Frogs & Toads – May 18, 2024

Turtles & Snakes – June 8, 2024

We invite participants of all ages to join us on our Critter Crawls – from young tadpoles to old tortoises. We do ask, however, that children under 12 be accompanied by an adult and suggest that children under 3 may not be well suited for these activities.

Come equipped with a spirit of inquiry, a respect for the small, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, and you might be surprised at the multitude of life you can find right under your feet. We recommend that you bring: 

• a headlamp or flashlight (they are more likely to be active at dusk) 
• waterproof boots 
• brightly-colored outdoorsy clothes 
• a head covering (for ticks) 
• long pants and socks, on the thicker side 
• a raincoat or poncho (the class will move forward rain or shine) 

Join us for an exploration into the exciting world of crawling critters where each step reveals new wonders waiting to be discovered. Happy crawling- we hope to see you there! 

COMING SOON: Becoming the Animals Series (Ages 9-12)

This three-day summer program series is an opportunity to learn about animal behavior and ecology through the lens of the animal! Students will learn about squirrel, beaver, and mastodon by studying their habitat, life cycles, and behaviors. Students will explore how these animals move in the landscape through fun, engaging activities and then they will become the animal by mimicking their behavior on the land, while learning how these animals play an important role in our ecosystems.

Day 1: Squirrel

• Who Is Squirrel? – Students learn about squirrel’s habitat, life cycle, and behaviors. 
• Moving Like Squirrel – Students explore how squirrels move on the landscape. This will be an action-packed activity in the woods that will involve natural movement! 
• Becoming the Squirrel – Students go into the landscape to explore squirrels’ habitat and the ecological services they provide. Students will become the squirrel by planting trees on the landscape.

Day 2: Beaver

• Who Is Beaver? – Students learn about beaver’s habitat, life cycle, and behaviors. 
• Moving Like Beaver – Students explore how beavers move on the landscape. This will be an action-packed activity in the creek that will involve getting their feet wet!
• Becoming the Beaver – Students go into the landscape to explore beaver’s habitat and the ecological services they provide. Students will become the beaver by building a beaver dam!

Day 3: Mastodon

• Who Is Mastodon? – Students learn about mastodon’s habitat, life cycle, and behaviors. 
• Moving Like Mastodon – Students explore how mastodons move on the landscape. This will be an action-packed activity in the woods that will involve big movements!
• Becoming the Mastodon – Students go into the landscape to explore mastodon’s habitat and the ecological services they provide. Students will get their hands dirty with youth-appropriate restoration work.