The predator and prey relationship encompasses concepts such as survival of the fittest, adaptations, and the fundamental differences between animals. Through discussion and games, we’ll learn firsthand about the different reactions of prey as they are being hunted, the variables that can change the outcome of a hunt, and the challenges of survival. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 1)

In case you are wondering what an owl pellet is, it is the non-digestible part of the prey that the owl  must regurgitate! Learn about the role and interdependence of predator and prey animals in our forest ecosystem. Students will dissect an owl pellet to identify skeletal remains of rodents and other animals. Our pellets have been sterilized and wrapped in foil for your dissection pleasure. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 4^th-Goal 1)

Find out how North Carolinians used to live on the farm. Meet our heritage breed animals, see sustainable agriculture in action in our garden and farm (no modern chemicals here!) and learn about early farm life through storytelling. Participate in some of the farm activities of children a century ago. (NCSCOS Social Studies Standards: 4th-Goal 1.04, 1.05, 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 5.02)

Adaptations are physical features that improve an animal’s (or a plant’s) chances for survival. Students will be introduced to reptiles, mammals, and amphibians to observe and discover each animal’s adaptations. Students will be encouraged to observe and will have the opportunity to touch some of the animals. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 4^th-Goal 1)

Come visit our garden and go on a bug hunt as we observe insects in various life stages. We’ll use natural materials to create a bug and its life stages to take home. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goals 1; 1^st-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1)

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians such as frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles (terrestrial and aquatic) snakes and so on. Have fun while working out “in the field” learning collection techniques and how to record data on common herps found in NC. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 1; 1^st-Goal 1; 2^nd-Goal 1; 3^rd-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1; 5^th-Goal 1)

While are sleeping in our beds at night, there's another world that is waking up. Learn about nocturnal animals and discover how their senses enable them to successfully find food and communicate with little or no light. Discover the importance of echolocation, how fireflies "talk" and then hunt for spiders with their glowing green eyes. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 1; 1^st-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1)

Chestnut Ridge is home to chickens, goats, cows, pigs, and horses! It’s the perfect place to learn about animal life cycles. Students will get hands-on experience with our farm animals and play games to learn about how animals grow and change. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 1^st-Goal 1; 2^nd-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1)

Chestnut Ridge is home to several colonies of honey bees, one of which lives in an observation hive (late April-early October). Come out to see the bees at their work. Can you find the queen bee? Learn about the different types of honeybees, the symbiotic relationship between bees and fruit-producing plants, and how humans need honeybees. Taste some honey and make a beeswax candle to take home! (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 1; 1^st-Goal 1, 2^nd-Goal 1; 3^rd-Goal 1)

Take an upclose, scientific look at pond life as we explore the importance of macro-invertebrates as part of the aquatic ecosysem. We will use nets and buckets to collect, and charts to identify, the various insect larvae, crustaceans and other small creatures that inhabit our lake. These specimans will provide clues as to the overall health and water quality of the lake. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 1^st-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1; 5^th-Goal 1; 8^th-Goal 3)