Little Naturalist Story Time
October through May | Twice a month | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Little Naturalist is the perfect program for 3 to 5 year olds who are curious about animals, their habitats, the environment, and exploring nature. Join us to read a nature-themed book, explore the natural world, and complete a craft. Some favorites include snowshoeing on the Preserve, interacting with live reptiles and amphibians, upcycling old materials into fun creations, and much more!
Cost is $4.00/session per youth participant (infants in arms are free). Please dress appropriately for the weather that day!
Advanced registration is not required. Please plan on checking in at the front desk when arriving.
| Date/Theme | Book |
|
October 7th: Welcome Fall! The weather is changing and so are things on the Preserve! Come collect evidence of the new season in this explorative session. |
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson |
|
October 21st: Batty for Bats Uncover the mysteries of the night as we investigate the behaviors of bats! Participants will have a chance to explore our newest exhibit, SOAR with Bats. |
Nightsong by Ari Berk, illustrated by Loren Long |
|
November 4th: Exploring Nature Bring your wild explorer to this session as we use our senses to observe nature all around us! |
Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson |
|
November 18th: Autumn Animals Wondering what wildlife has been up to this fall? Join us as we learn about some of our favorite resident animals! |
This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers |
|
December 9th: Preparing for Winter Come find out how animals survive the harsh conditions of the winter season! |
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman |
|
December 16th: Sustainable Holidays Learn what small changes we can make during this holiday season to reduce our impact on the environment! |
When Santa Turned Green by Victoria Perla, illustrated by Mirna Kantarevic |
|
January 6th: Sticks & Stones What can you do with a stick? Bring your imagination to this session as we explore the many uses of natural materials. |
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis |
|
January 20th: Slithering Snakes Turn your fear of snakes into fascination with a special visit from Kim’s Cold-Blooded Creatures! |
SNAKE! (Shout Fear Out) by Carrie Hyatt |
|
February 3rd: Wonderful Wetlands Celebrate World Wetlands Day with us as we discover the importance of the plants and animals that call the Swaner Preserve home. |
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal |
|
February 17th: Tracking Wildlife What signs of wildlife can we look for on the snowy Preserve? Try out snowshoes and become a winter detective! Snowshoes will be provided for participants and adult guardians. |
Who’s Been Here? A Tale in Tracks by Fran Hodgkins, illustrated by Karel Hayes |
|
March 3rd: The Water Cycle Splash into learning the water cycle as we follow the journey of a little raindrop. |
Little Raindrop by IglooBooks |
|
March 17th: St. Patrick's Day STEM Bring your engineering skills to this session as we figure out how to design and build a leprechaun trap! |
How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton |
|
April 7th: Springing into a New Season Brighter days are ahead! Get your hands dirty as we dig up the wonders of spring. |
And then it's Spring by Julie Fogliano |
|
April 21st: Earth Day Join us as we celebrate nature and learn how to protect and preserve the land around us! |
I Can Save the Earth! by Alison Inches, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli |
|
May 5th: Pollinator Pals What’s the buzz about pollinators? Discover the importance of protecting pollinators from bees to bats. |
The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller |
|
May 19th: Bonkers about Birds! Grab your binoculars and get ready to learn birding basics out on the Preserve! |
Ruby's Birds by Mya Thompson, illustrated by Claudia Davila |
