Summer
Summer Virtual Activities
- Nature Jobs
Scientists study many different parts of nature as their job. Join Miss Melissa as she explores some of these nature related jobs and what the scientists who study them are called.
- Explore the Asbury Woods Trail Cameras
We do not always see animals at Asbury Woods, but we know that a variety of species make use of the protected space in our community to find important habitat. This virtual visit uses one of our trail cams to give us peek at what the animals are doing at the Nature Center while we have been away, both during the day and at night.
- Biomimicry
In this Virtual Visit we’ll talk about biomimicry and how birds inspired airplane design. After learning about the science of flight, Sarah Lewis, School Programs Manager, challenges you to create paper airplanes with wings inspired by birds you see in your yard.
- The Magic of Lightning Bugs
Lightning Bug or Firefly? Either way you say it, these beetles light up the evening all summer long. Join Melissa Goodwill as she shares fun facts and the science behind this dazzling summer bug.
- Waiting for Wings
In this Virtual Visit, we will read Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert and learn about the cecropia moth. We'll make a butterfly using a coffee filter. For the craft, you will need coffee filters, markers, water or rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs or a spray bottle, and clothespins. For more information on butterfly migration, visit www.journeynorth.org.
Flower identification page from the book:
Butterfly identification from the book:
- How To Use a Compass
Melissa Goodwill, Education and Program Coordinator, explains how to use a compass. Orienteering is the sport of navigation and a fun way to exercise your body and mind as you enjoy the outdoors. It's a sport for everyone and beginners are always welcome.
- Invasive Plants In Your Backyard
Join Sydney Fitch, Program Assistant, as she tours her own backyard and identifies some non-native plant species and suggests some native alternatives.
- A Tour in the Microcosm
This Virtual Visit invites visitors to explore Asbury Woods through the lens of a handheld microscope. We will be learning about unique features of some natural objects and seeing them in a whole new way with Kelley Lang, Director of Education and Community Programs. There’s so much to discover when we journey into the microcosm!
If you would like to purchase a handheld microscope like Kelley's using, please click here. - What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?
Join Sarah Lewis, School Programs Manager In this Virtual Visit where we’ll learn how different animals use their eyes, ears, noses, and other body parts in the book What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? By Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Then we’ll draw or color different animal parts to use in a game creating imaginary animals. You can draw and color the animal parts yourself or use the coloring page we created. This animal mix-up game was inspired by the book Remarkable Animals by Tony Meeuwissen.
Download Craft Activity:
- Off the Beaten Path
Join Executive Director Jennifer Farrar and her son James as she explores the Wetland Loop at Brown's Farm. She takes a small hike along this often overlooked trail and uses the iNaturalist Seek app to identify some plant species found in the wetland areas.
Watch Off the Beaten Path Video
The app Jennifer used is Seek by iNaturalist. Take your nature knowledge up a notch with Seek! Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you.
To learn more and to download this free app click here.
- Geocaching for Beginners
Kelley Lang, Director of Education and Community Programs, leads a beginner’s guide to Geocaching at Asbury Woods. This outdoor recreation activity is perfect for people of all ages who want to head out and explore the world around. Geocaching is a fun blend of technology, outdoor exploration, and creative problem-solving.
- Capturing Backyard Wildlife Photos
Environmental Educator Jessica Stefano enjoys capturing photos of the wildlife that visit her backyard and sharing them with family and friends. Join Jessica as she shares some tips and tricks she’s learned over years of finding and documenting the many creatures that she sees in her backyard.
- Finnegan Draw-a-Long
Join Environmental Educator Jessica Stefano in her art room where we’ll learn to draw one of Asbury Woods’ most recognizable faces, Finnegan the Ferret! No art experience is necessary! All you need is a pencil and paper and you’ll be able to follow along with Jessica as she leads us through our latest Virtual Visit.
If you draw along with Jessica, we’d LOVE to see your drawings of Finnegan! Send them to us at info@asburywoods.org or share them on social media with the tag #asburywoodserie
- Going on a Micro Hike
Join Steve Wasiesky, MTSD Environmental Education Coordinator, as he goes on a micro hike! Let your fingers do the walking and take an inch-by-inch hike in your backyard to find out all the animals and plants that are living there.
Download the Micro Hike Information Tracker
- Wildlife at Night
When the sun goes down many unique creatures are waking up to enjoy the natural world at night. Join Melissa Goodwill as she introduces you to a few of these creatures and shares some fun facts and benefits of nocturnal animals you may find in your own backyard.
- Eat Local!
Join Jessica Stefano as she shares her passion for sourcing, growing, and raising local food! With the summer season upon us and farmers’ markets opening, Jessica walks us through why and how we can all participate in the local food movement in our latest Virtual Visit.
- Evaporation
Join Sarah Lewis, School Programs Manager, in this Virtual Visit. She will show you two evaporation experiments that you can do at home, and how evaporation helps recycle water through the water cycle. We'll also see how Asbury Woods uses evaporation each spring to create a delicious product.
- Trail Etiquette for Dogs
Join Interpretive Naturalist, Jessica, as she goes over some dog etiquette and safety tips to follow while walking your furry friends out on the trails.