Earthplace The Nature Discovery Center Inc

Programs: Earthplace early childhood education programs include a preschool that is nationally accredited by naeyc and is licensed by the state of connecticut serving children aged two through five including a full-time program for working parents. Other programs include toddler play group, story times with live animals and an afterschool nature enrichment program for grades k-5th. The educators at earthplace believe that childrens' natural curiosity motivates them to explore and investigate both the classroom and outdoor environments. Outdoors, the students play on the nature-themed playground,walk on the trails, investigate the 62 acre wildlife sanctuary and visit the outdoor birds of prey. Animals in the earthplace teaching collection are also brought into the classrooms each week by the naturalists.

the harbor watch water quality monitoring program was founded in 1986. Since then, it has grown to include a state certified water quality laboratory, three research vehicles, and an award winning reputation. Its field and lab work follows epa approved quality assurance project plans. The goal of harbor watch is to: provide the people of connecticut with the data, knowledge, and field expertise necessary to safeguard our waterways, educate our communities about watershed issues, and train volunteers and student interns through hands-on research. Harbor watch has steadily expanded its geography from long island sound to ridgefield, and greenwich to stratford.

earthplace nature education programs offer innovative, curriculum-based experiential learning to a wide spectrum of students and adults. Staffed by two full-time naturalists and part-time animal technicians, programs draw from outdoor raptor exhibits, our indoor nature discovery area, a 62 acre nature sanctuary, and 38 live animal exhibits. The 14 birds of prey are regulated by the us fish and wildlife service and the mammals are regulated by the usda. Earthplace hosts elementary school groups, middle school "junior staff" programs, high school interns, adult environmental learning programs, family canoe trips, and more. A variety of group and individual volunteer opportunities for all.

part iii, 4d- program related expenses not allocated to 3 largest programs.