More Programs to Instill a Love of Nature



kidZone Stick Entrance, North Carolina Zoo

An earlier blog highlighted an extensive body of research that supports nurturing a relationship with nature in children before imparting environmental knowledge and concerns. Here is the post in case you didn't see it: http://eco-smartparent.blogspot.com/2013/05/remember-love-of-nature-precedes-caring.html

This is a follow up on some more programs and centers in North Carolina that provide quality environmental education programs for children that focus on developing a relationship with nature.  There are too many quality programs to list here, but this is just a few. Visit here to see a list of all our Environmental Education Centers and visit our calendar of events for quality programs.


Nature Explorer Zone, Reedy Creek Nature Center, Charlotte
Instead of a traditional playground, the Nature Explorer Zone is an outdoor playground that uses elements from nature. There are logs to turn over and examine what is underneath, blocks made from tree trunk sections, a tunnel made from grapevines, fort making materials and a necklace making station with pine cones, feathers and other natural objects. These elements encourage more creative play as opposed to just a swing set and a slide that have only one obvious use.

kidZone, North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro
A playground that incorporates natural elements. Unfortunately the kidZone is currently closed for
construction until late summer 2013, but they are building new elements such as a stream for play,
rope bridges and trees. The Woods are open! The Woods offers kids the opportunity to build forts, make a mud pie, help in the herb garden, play in the sand, enjoy a scheduled animal encounter or do an art project when playworkers are present.
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Nature Play Day, Annie Louise Wilkerson MD Nature Preserve Park, Raleigh
3rd Friday of Month 11 AM - 3 PM from May 17, 2013 until Aug 16, 2013
Come to the park anytime between 11 am and 3 pm to enjoy our latest ideas for playing in nature. Children of all ages, as well as the young at heart, are welcome to join us for imaginative play in a natural setting. Dress for the weather and be ready to get messy!
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Nature Explorers Summer Camp, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

Nature Explorers Summer Camps offer children ages 4 - 11 an exciting opportunity to explore North Carolina's ecology and natural history on 10+ acres of native gardens, forest, and wetlands at UNC's North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. Our unique camps are designed to foster respect and appreciation for the environment and inspire a sense of wonder through direct experiences with the natural world.
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Lake Rim Park, Fayetteville
Lake Rim Park offers a number of programs for young children all the way to adults. There programs focus on nature and outdoor adventure and allow the participant to strengthen their connection to the natural world. Visit their organizational page for a listing of up coming events and programs.
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Sound to Sea Program, Trinity Center, Pine Knolls Shore
Sound to Sea, the only residential environmental education program on the Outer Banks, offers school groups a habitat-based program which includes multi-disciplinary hands-on activities, a Challenge Course and special evening programs. The center also offers summer camps and day programs.
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