ecoEXPLORE Central NC

10/06/2025

05/04/2024

Join us today, May 4th, at Lake Benson in Garner from 1:00 until 4:00 for another Kids in Nature Day hosted by the South Wake Conservationists!

Along with more than 25 other exhibitors, we have a stomp rocket activity where you can make your own animal-inspired rocket and see how high you can make it go!

01/06/2024

Want a chance to see woodcocks at Prairie Ridge? Registration is now open for the family woodcock walk!

This is not a specific ecoEXPLORE program, but let Chris know you’re going and she’ll make sure you get your points.

Come join us for an outdoor evening focused on the wonderful American woodcocks!

09/04/2023

Which arachnids are you most excited about seeing this season?

It’s time to celebrate the amazing world of ARACHNIDS with ecoEXPLORE!!! 🕷🦂🕸

From camouflaged Crab Spiders and opulent Orbweavers, to tiny ticks, mites, and even “Daddy-Long-Legs”. These 8-legged creepy crawlies are easily confused with insects (and often feared by people) but are unique and important animals in ecosystems.

This September and October, YOU can help scientists learn about these dazzling friends by submitting photos wild of spiders and arachnids from anywhere! Learn more about how kids (aged 5-13) can discover nature and join our statewide science community while earning badges and prizes with ecoEXPLORE this Field Season!

08/03/2023

Hey everyone! We have to reschedule Insectapalooza due to a staff illness! We're pushing the date back to August 12, 1-3pm. All other details are the same!

07/07/2023

We got photos of some amazing reptile and amphibian artwork last season! These awesome pieces were created by Ctuckin, Guineapiggirl, and Booglie10. Great job, ecoEXPLORErs!

Our entomology art program is coming up on July 21 - we're focusing on moths for the new moth badge and National Moth Week! Look for it in the event listings if you'd like to join us and make your own moth.

06/23/2023

H**p Season has been extended!

Great news ecoEXPLORERS!!! H**petology Season will be extended until July 4th this year to give our families more time to complete the badge. If you've got plans outside over the long holiday weekend make sure to stay on the lookout for snakes, frogs, turtles, and salamanders!! 🐍🐸🐢🦎

NOTE: The start of Entomology Season will officially begin July 5th. That way ecoEXPLORERs (and our team) can enjoy the holiday. Participants are welcome to get a head start by photographing Insects and Moths over the weekend. Just hold off on submitting your observations until July 5th to earn bonus points and credit towards your new badges!! 🐜🐞🦋

04/07/2023

Go visit one of our newest HotSpots!

We now have an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot sign at the US 64 kiosk. ecoEXPLORE is a free community science program for children in grades K-8 that encourages kids to explore nature. Kids share their photos of wildlife observations on iNaturalist and earn badges and prizes. Check out the ecoEXPLORE program at https://www.ecoexplore.net/. Friends of Lower Haw also installed an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot sign at the US 15-501 kiosk.

03/04/2023

Did any of you EXPLORErs get to see this amazing bird at one of our central HotSpots?

What’s the most unexpected observation you’ve ever made? Share your stories with us!

Rare sighting in the park!
This is a Red-footed B***y, a bird normally found in the Caribbean and the southern Pacific. This bird has never been seen inland in North Carolina before. This is the rarest bird ever seen in the park!

Update: the bird has flown away. It sat for pictures for several hours and then took off. You never know what you’ll see in the park!

03/04/2023

It’s Botany Season! What plants are you most excited to see this season?

Chris is really looking forward to the Mayapples coming up. Could be any day now!

02/25/2023

Get your bird observations in soon! They're due February 28 if you want to earn your Ornithology badge!

Only 4 DAYS left to finish your Ornithology Field Season Badge and start your Air Mission Badge so get out there and EXPLORE!!

Visit your ecoEXPLORE dashboard to learn more: https://www.ecoexplore.net/dashboard

02/24/2023

We’re super excited about our Ornithology Season Summit tomorrow! We’ll compete in Bird Bingo, play a fun bird guessing game, and make bird-themed paper airplanes and launch them from our classroom deck. We’ll have hot chocolate available if the weather is chilly, so bring a mug!

It may be a bit rainy, but we’ll be ready to meet you in the Outdoor Classroom at Prairie Ridge 10:30-noon tomorrow. Our classeoom has a roof to keep us dry, but it will be about the same temperature as outside. Come dressed for the weather!

Want to join us? Register online here: https://3947.blackbaudhosting.com/3947/Ornithology-Season-Summit-ecoEXPLORE?fbclid=IwAR3vO9mOdc582EjeDZ70-74-3fBmY932jlSbap7gfByTj09Kw3p33ijBQaU