Fall Webinar Series Connects Classroom Teachers to Environmental Educators

This fall, NHEE partnered with NHSTA (NH Science Teachers Association) on a 3-part webinar series highlighting a few New Hampshire organizations that have in-classroom and field trip opportunities. Participants learned about Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, The Caterpillar Lab, and NH Audubon. Each presentation also included how the organization connects their lessons to NGSS and participants were exposed to a sample activity that they could use in their classrooms. The webinars ended with information about the NHEE’d To Get Outside Grant, a fund for schools and non-profits to connect their students to outdoor learning experiences. This annual funding opportunity closes in mid-November each year.  

Here’s a little more about each organization: 

  • Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia, NH hosts a variety of educational programming such as “Tap Into Maple”, “Garden Ecology”, and “Winter Wonder Track Detectives”. They also have a naturalist in the classroom program for area schools where Prescott Farm educators come into your classroom for a series of lessons. The Center is open to the public year-round and has several trails to explored. 
  • The Caterpillar Lab has a home base in Marlborough, NH, but they are often “on the road” setting up residence at locations around New England. The Lab brings live caterpillars to their events hoping to inspire a connection to the outdoors through carefully crafted educational lessons. Teachers are encouraged to contact them to learn more about setting up an event at your school or community center. They also have room for small groups to visit their space in Marlborough. 
  • NH Audubon has centers in Concord, Auburn, and Hebron (seasonal). Educators at all locations help connect students to the outdoors through a variety of programs such as “Avian Adventures”, “NH Wildlife”, “Ponding”, and “Pollinator Party”. They host field trips at their centers and can also come into your classroom for lessons. Their Concord and Massabesic (Auburn) Centers are also open to the public year-round with ambassador animals, hiking trails, and pollinator gardens.