Winged Warriors of the Sky: Owl Pellet Investigation

Students will learn about the remarkable adaptions owls possess, including incredible night vision, virtually silent, stealth hunting, and a very flexible neck. Following a presentation and a meet and greet with one of our animal ambassadors, students will investigate owl pellets (i.e., regurgitated, undigested food), while learning about the food web and forest ecology. Two students will work together to disassemble a pellet and can take home the small skeletal remains of the owl’s prey. NOTE: Two weeks notice is required for ordering pellets.

Exploring the Seagrasses

This is a very popular field activity at the Nature Center for students of all ages! Participants will learn about the importance of seagrass beds in Florida and then wade in the shallow water grass flats of the Indian River Lagoon. Each student will be given a hand or seine net and will work as a team to collect and organize the many creatures discovered in their nets. All creatures must be released at the end of the field survey. NOTE: Dates are limited, as programs are scheduled only at low tide in the Spring. Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes (e.g., water shoes or sneakers) and must be prepared to enter the water up to their waists.

Tracks & Scat....How About That!

Through hands-on activities, students are introduced to how animals move through their habitats and how to identify common animal signs, specifically their tracks and scat. Participants make their own replica scat to take home using modeling clay and a variety of "additives". :)

Incredible Edible Bugs: Entomophagy

Insects have been consumed as an important source of food by many cultures for hundreds of years. This program includes a discussion about the nutritional value of insects, insects that are likely in our food, and a savory insect tasting for each student!