School & Group Programs

Explore the Natural World with Mass Audubon's South Shore Sanctuaries!

School Programs
Education through Exploration

	Download our brochure! (PDF 387 K)

The South Shore Sanctuaries offer a variety of environmental education programs for school children in Pre-K through fifth grade. Our education staff understands the importance of developing a child's sense of curiosity and wonder about the natural world. To help enhance these kinds of experiences, our programs are designed to guide inquiry through hands-on activities, while using exploratory teaching techniques. We strive to cultivate a greater connection to the local environment, as well as foster an appreciation for the outdoors that continues far into the future.

Diverse Habitats, Diverse Learning Opportunities
The variety of habitats that encompass the three South Shore Sanctuary sites, in addition to local beaches and conservation land, provide for a unique learning experience outside the classroom. A field trip to one of these locations allows the opportunity for first-hand observation of plants and wildlife, a closer study of how adaptations are necessary for survival, and initiates thinking on the elaborate way all things are connected. A classroom visit will provide a similar, investigative, hands-on learning experience.

An Outdoor Classroom that Meets Standards
Our programs provide support to teachers by helping align program content with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and are designed to meet the standards of varying age groups. For more details on how programs address specific frameworks, please contact us.

For complete descriptions of our school program offerings, please download our school program brochure. (PDF 387 K)

Whooo is Oliver the Owl?
Oliver is a stuffed great horned owl who is using his vast knowledge of the habitats of the South Shore to teach the elementary school students of Duxbury, Hull and Scituate about their communities. Thanks to the local cultural councils in each of those towns, these town-specific learning programs were developed during this past year, and are now being implemented. Students are challenged to find Oliver in a specific habitat or historic site in their town. Given three written clues and a photograph by their teachers, the students decipher the riddle and then are given follow-up information for each habitat, its residents or its local historical significance as it relates to the past uses of the land.

Oliver can come to your town, too! The project requires minimal funding for community specialization which could come from a local cultural council grant, a parent-teacher organization, private donations or many other sources. And Oliver's no dummy. His courses meet numerous learning standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks for third graders.

For more information contact us at southshore@massaudubon.org or 781-837-9400.

Celebrate Your Birthday With Us
A hayride at the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary with family and friends is a fun way to celebrate that special event. For a smaller group, take a van tour with one of our naturalists and learn about the cultural and natural history of your favorite local site.

Hayride at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary
Our naturalist will join you as you travel around the sanctuary on our hay wagon. Learn about the wildlife that lives at the sanctuary as you enjoy the view. Hay wagon can accommodate up to 30 passengers. One-hour hayride is $125 per wagon.

Parties for Children
If your child is fascinated by nature, loves the outdoors, or is curious about critters, try something different that all ages will enjoy. Nature-theme parties can be scheduled for children turning 6 years or older. During your two hours with us, a naturalist will lead a discovery hike, simple craft, nature game, or exploratory project followed by an hour to enjoy your refreshments and time with your guests.

Party Times
Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 pm or Saturday, 10:30 am-3:30 pm We can accommodate a maximum of 15 children. Parties are held rain or shine.

Party Options:

Signs of the Season
Explore the sanctuary trails with our naturalist. Search for signs of animal life, take part in a scavenger hunt, and construct a simple seasonal craft. $120/$100 Mass Audubon member

Build a Bird Nesting Box
Build a nesting box to take home and learn about the songbirds that might move in. All supplies are included. Cost per child is $16/$14 Mass Audubon member. $100 minimum

Animal Myths and Tales
Learn about native wildlife through stories and exploration. Make a mask of your favorite native animal. $120/$100 member

Scout Groups
The South Shore Sanctuaries offers nature-based exploration programs for both boy and girl scouts aged 5-11. We can assist you in earning a specific badge requirement or customize a program to meet your needs. Eagle Scout projects are also available. Programs are offered after school or on Saturdays. Please contact us for more information.

For More Information
To schedule a program or learn more, please contact our education coordinator at 781-837-9400, or e-mail at aquist@massaudubon.org.