Exploration Station

This free program runs September through May

Saturdays 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Sundays 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Mondays of school holidays for Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Docents help children and others learn through interactive displays and games in the showrooms. New topics every month. Drop in anytime. It’s FREE!

2019 – 2020 Exploration Station Schedule

September:  Habitat : Prairie

The prairie was once the largest ecosystem in North America stretching westward from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountain and southward from Saskatchewan to Texas.  The plains of tall grass support an enormous varieties of plants and animals.  Come and learn about the once majestic prairie and what make it a special ecosystem worth preserving.

October:  Go Batty For Bats

Bats account for nearly a quarter of the mammal species on earth.  The only mammal capable of true flight, they are also natural pollinators and pest control experts.  With all these good traits they are still often misunderstood for being one of the bad guys in the animal kingdom.  We will look at the positive role bats play in the environments and how we can conserve and protect their population.

November:  Festival of Colors

Why are roses red and violets blue?  As we begin the winter season, let’s look back at the plant colors we have enjoyed throughout the growing season.  We will learn about plant colors and celebrate the pigments that make the conservatory such a kaleidoscope of colors that turn everyday into a holiday for the senses.

December:  World Spices

This precious commodity not only inspire the search for the new world,  it played a major role in many world conflicts and it’s something we cannot live without in our kitchen.  What not everyone know is that all these spices come from plants grown in all parts of the world.  we will travel the globe and learn about this precious commodity.

January:  Living In Darkness

Winter is long and dark for most life above ground, but while we look forward to the bright light of spring there is life in darkness.  Plants and animals have long adapted to this nocturnal life, let us turn on the light and see what’s living in the dark.

February:  Chocolate

Money doesn’t grow on trees but chocolate does and that’s a reason to celebrate.  Come see how the world’s most popular confection is transformed  from an odd looking fruit to delicious delights.

March:  Plant Defense

From sticky sap to prickly thorns, plants used many methods to deter unwanted predators and ensure their survival.  Let’s take a look at these natural defensive mechanisms and learn how humans have adapted and used them to benefits ourselves.

April:  Habitat:  Deserts

How can so much life exist in such harsh environments?  What can we learn about the plants and animals that live in these dry habitats and how we can apply that knowledge to our own environment?

May:  Arbor Day

Let’s celebrate Arbor day by looking  at  trees.  Many of us look at trees  and see nothing but leaves but a tree is its own ecosystem providing food and shelter for many other living plants and animals.  We’ll take a closer look at a tree and its many uses.