Natural History
Travel with a keen eye through the wetlands, woodlands, and farmlands of NorthWoods. Natural and human influence shape the history of these lands. This nature walk brings young naturalists to along our new interpretive Lang Brook Trail to a beaver lodge and dam, a glacial erratic, through a successionally-mixed forest, and along a century-old stone wall.
NorthWoods is home to a resident Barred Owl, Oberon. Since 2005, when he was hit by a car on I-91 and blinded in one eye, Oberon has resided here at NorthWoods to serve as an educational ambassador for his wise, often silent and rarely-seen species. An interactive slideshow provides a glimpse into the unique adaptations, habitat, and habits of the owls of Vermont.
Learn about feathers and flight to prepare for an encounter with birds of the Northern Forest. Field guides and binoculars enhance students’ learning as they identify common bird species of the region.
When winter snows provide their soft canvas for the paws and prints of our forest-dwelling neighbors, indoor instruction on tracking tips and identification will be put to practice in the snow.
Students will discover the adaptations of the Northern Forest mammals they’ve learned to track, from the unique footwear of the snowshoe hare to the beaver’s impressive carpentry skills. Students will search out signs of these mammals and study first-hand how these adaptations help the animals survive the climate change of the seasons.
Take a primer in the field of science illustration, where accuracy and detail combine both art and science. This workshop begins indoors with an introduction to the techniques, covering perspective, preparation of the illustrator’s toolkit, and tips of the trade. From there, artists will head outside to field sketch, incorporating what they’ve learned to what they see.
A primer in digital cameras helps students take a close look at the natural world around them, and challenges them to capture their own unique perspective.
NorthWoods’ ponds are a perfect place for young biologists to learn about a pond’s macro-invertebrates. Students become acquainted with aquatic life, which never ceases to amaze – from a seemingly empty container of water, students begin to see the teeming life inside: from the caddisfly’s unique home to crayfish and salamanders. This workshop is hands-on and eyes-open. Students collect their own samples, identify, observe, and record their findings.
Moving from the pond to the Clyde River’s flat-water wetlands and curving oxbows, students will explore one of the most unique wetland complexes in the state, moving from classroom activities in this multi-day workshop to outdoor exploration. Combining recreation, fisheries, culture, history and habitat, we’ll explore and celebrate the diversity and distinction of the river with pride.
Now that our students know more about the native species of our region, we’ll learn about the invasive species that most threaten the Northeast Kingdom and what we can do to help stop their spread. From Eurasian milfoil to Japanese knotweed, partner with NorthWoods’ crews to identify areas in your community in need of habitat restoration or invasive species removal projects.
Students learn to identify trees in winter and summer, examine tree growth, age and measure trees, and learn the basic suite of techniques for forest management. Novice foresters will take the indoor primer and apply the techniques in the woods.
Wilderness Survival
Students and groups will learn and practice survival skills in our 1500-acre forest, facing a challenge oriented to their existing skill level and time allotted which will require them to learn and practice:
- fire building
- trip planning and preparation
- shelter building
- Leave No Trace ethics
- wilderness first aid
- backcountry cooking
Each season in the Northern Forest presents the adventurous palate with a host of wild edibles: not only are they fun to hunt for, they can be a true delicacy. From the less-exotic berries and nuts of the northern forest to the Fireweed’s spring shoots, the Indian cucumber and Marsh Marigold, discover the hidden treasures of our woods and wetlands.
Link indoor study with outdoor experience, practicing the basics of route-finding with map and compass.
Students will learn to:
- create maps and understand their terminology
- read contour lines and topographic maps
- locate significant landmarks and natural features
Surviving the snows of the North Woods can present groups with as great a challenge as conquering the famed Himalayas. Whether it is the summertime or a snow-blown winter’s day, teams will face the challenge of planning and executing a group expedition.
Groups will be put to the mental and physical test of working together and incorporating learned survival skills.
The Expedition begins in the Marketplace, where purchasing decisions on group equipment are made. From here, it is off to the woods to build shelters, address medical emergencies, boil water as a team, and more—all the while keeping an eye open for the lurking Yeti; myth or reality? Come find out!
Challenge Programs
NorthWoods’ staff challenge students and teachers to find new ways to communicate and support one another, to conquer individual fears and to reach team goals, to safely explore, survive, and thrive in a wilderness experience.
Students develop leadership and communication skills as they solve problems together and build trust among their group members. Initiatives include lawn and cable games, trolleys, and trust-building activities. There are also a number of activities that can be brought to your location.
Challenge course participants develop a sense of teamwork with their peers, conquer physical and emotional challenges, and exceed their personal expectations. The course is a configuration of activities set in our red-pine forest that begin with trust falls and spotting, leading to a wood-and-cable maze that challenges participants both as individuals and as members of a group.
