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North Carolina Arboretum Inspires Budding Naturalists through its Innovative Wee Nats Program


Nature had an additional 658 visitors last year as children and their caregivers gained an appreciation of its offerings and learned how to care for it, thanks to an innovative youth program at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The Arboretum�s Wee Naturalist Program is a unique early childhood hands-on learning experience that helps children ages 2 to 4 develop motor and conceptual skills by doing what they enjoy most�playing, exploring, creating, and doing.

And in 2010, families spent more than 120 hours at the Arboretum to gain an appreciation of and explore the natural world. The 2011 season kicked off to a promising start in January, and continues to inspire budding naturalists.

Children Pre-K and below, along with a parent, caregiver or grandparent can join an Arboretum Naturalist to explore a new nature-filled theme every month. Learn about trees, plants, birds, bears, raindrops and more. Along with learning, each day may include a physical activity, singing, art time, stories, theater and short nature walks weather permitting.

The program is a learning classroom for young children to discover, imagine, and investigate the world around them, but it is also a one-of-a-kind learning experience for parents as teachers. Caregivers are taught ways to encourage and stimulate their child�s growth. Core lessons taught include:

  • How to respect and appreciate nature by learning how actions directly affect the world.
  • The basics of cooperation through exploration and adventure while in the out-of-doors.
  • Beginning math principles through activities such as weighing, comparing, counting, and sorting.
  • Basic knowledge about the diverse flora and fauna of the Western North Carolina region. Classes are offered Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The program fee is $6 per class or $20 for four sessions. To register or for more information, call 828-665-2492.

    For more information, call (828) 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.

    (Image provided by the NC Arboretum.)



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