Holiday Hours Notice: Please note that there will be no Wednesday Walk on December 24. The Barn Owl Shop & Welcome Center will close at 1:00 p.m. on December 24, remain closed on December 25, and reopen on December 26. Thank you, and happy holidays!
Education Programs

Guided Hikes

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All Ages

Our guided hikes invite students to explore the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystems through observation and hands-on learning. These field-based experiences are designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the natural world.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, we ask that educators and students come prepared for outdoor conditions—dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking trails.

Habitat Hunters (Grades K-3):

Enjoy a fun-filled learning adventure through different habitats at the Norman Bird Sanctuary! From grasslands and wetlands to shady forest trails, students will explore what makes each place special. Along the way, they’ll look for birds, bugs, and other wildlife, learning how animals and plants live and grow together in nature.

Education Standards

Ecosystem Explorers (Grades 4-7):

Through guided exploration of forests, wetlands, fields, and streams, students will discover how native plants and animals interact within their habitats. This hands-on program emphasizes ecological relationships, the diversity of local ecosystems, and the vital services they provide—helping students build environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship for the natural world.

Education Standards

Environmental Changes & Stewardship Field Experience (Grades 8 -12): 

Climate shifts, driven by natural forces and human activity, affect ecosystems in complex ways. During this field trip, students will investigate woodland, pond, and grassland habitats at the Norman Bird Sanctuary to observe how these systems respond to change. They’ll explore ecosystem services—like pollination, water filtration, and carbon sequestration—and learn how humans can monitor, adapt, and restore natural areas to build climate resilience.

Education Standards

Geology Rocks! (Grades 2-8):

Join us for an engaging, guided hike through Paradise Valley as we explore the dynamic systems that shape our planet. This program introduces key Earth science concepts including plate tectonics, glacial activity, volcanic processes, and the mechanisms of weathering and erosion. Students will examine the distinctions between rocks and minerals, investigate various rock types and their formation, including puddingstone, a distinctive local feature, and uncover the geologic history of the region.

Designed to highlight the geology of southern New England, this experience also considers the powerful natural forces that have shaped the landscape and the impact of human activity over time. This program aims to deepen students’ understanding of Earth science in a hands-on, field-based setting.

Education Standards