ecoEXPLORE

ecoEXPLORE is an incentive-driven science enrichment program of The NC Arboretum Society that engages students in citizen science activities.

https://linktr.ee/ecoexplore ecoEXPLORE is an incentive-driven science enrichment program of The North Carolina Arboretum Society that engages kindergarten through eighth grade students in guided and self-directed citizen science activities. Each season one particular area of field ecology (botany, herpetology, entomology and ornithology) is highlighted with public programming, self-guided activities, a public event and special invitation only programs. Students engage as active participants of the scientific method as they record observations of organisms found in their neighborhoods, libraries and public green spaces across North Carolina.

09/29/2026

Join us tomorrow for a special Facebook Live! Starting at 4:00 we will live stream from an Astonishing Arachnids library program. At this program we'll discuss the many different types of arachnids and brush up on all of the arachnid basics. Hope to see you there!

09/26/2026

This amazing observation of the Yellow Garden Spider was submitted by ecoEXPLORER, robinhood. Theses spiders create a unique zigzag web design called a stabilimentum. Scientists don't know exactly why these spiders create this design, but it is tied to active hunting during the day, since more nocturnal species don't create a stabilimentum. Experts believe this design might be useful to camouflage the spider, attract prey to the web, or could even warn birds of the otherwise transparent web.

09/24/2026

The answers to our arachnology mystery are here!
1.) A jumping spider IS an arachnid!
2.) A cockroach is NOT an arachnid. A cockroach is an insect because it has six legs and three body segments
3.) A tick IS an arachnid!
4.) A centipede is NOT an arachnid. A centipede is a chilopoda and has one pair of legs for each body segment (the total number depends on the species.)
How many did you get correct?

09/23/2026

Welcome to our arachnology mystery! Can you identify which of these critters are arachnids? Check back in tomorrow for the answers!

09/21/2026

Today is your LAST DAY to submit your nomination for our ecoEXPLORE CHOICE AWARD!
Click this link to find rules, instructions and to submit your nomination: https://forms.gle/dqnNJZRNKTX1dFgF8

09/19/2026

This is the last weekend to submit your nomination for the ecoEXPLORE CHOICE AWARD!

We WANT YOU to choose the TOP 10 most amazing nature photos on iNaturalist captured by our very own ecoEXPLORERS!

Winning observers will receive, BONUS POINTS, the✨ecoEXPLORE Choice Award Badge✨ and have their photos on public display at The North Carolina Arboretum.

THE NOMINATION DEADLINE IS September 21st!
Submit your nomination and find rules and instructions for nominating here:
https://forms.gle/4AdZBm55HaLTbN3BA

09/16/2026

Did you know that spiders aren't the only archnids? Archnids also includes scorpions, ticks, and harvestmen. Keep these rules in remind when you are out exploring and working on your Arachnology Badge!

09/14/2026

Today we're featuring a video created by NC State Extension! Check it out for a brief introduction to the spiders that call North Carolina home. What kind of spiders have you observed?

Occasionally frightening, always fascinating, the vast majority of ...

09/12/2026

Have you checked out our Arachnology Badge challenges? This challenge was submitted by ecoEXPLORER, laena_loves_bird_lemon. We love this spider comic strip and how it accurately shows how trapdoor spiders hunt for their food!

Remember, to earn your own Arachnology Badge you just need to submit six photo observations and one challenge. We're looking forward to seeing what you find! 🕷🕸

Address

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC
28806

Telephone

(828) 665-2371

Website

http://www.ecoexplore.net/

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