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Student Group Activities
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Trailside

Student / Group Activities

Trailside Nature Museum, located within the 4,700-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, contains a variety of habitats ranging from ponds and streams to meadows and forests.

Interpretive programs are offered year-round for school, scout and other organized groups.  Programs can be tailored to all grade and interest levels from elementary student to adult.  Programs can be arranged by appointment for groups of up to 30 people lead by trained teacher/naturalists.  Special needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Most programs run 1-2 hours and cost $100 per group (up to 30 - unless otherwise noted).  Any number over the group limit, as set in the  program description will be split into 2 or more groups and charged accordingly. 

Groups are encouraged to bring food and water, and are reminded that the Reservation has a carry in - carry out policy for all activities.  Visiting staff will be expected to monitor the collection of litter and garbage from their group.

The Native American Program encompasses a forest hike, native stories, and a visit to the museum's "Kitchawan Village" which includes an authentic full-sized wigwam, dugout canoes, and hands on tools, toys, and food.  Offered September through December Grades K-Adult

The Maple Sugaring Program at Trailside provides children an introduction to maple identification, tree biology, sap collection, evaporation, and historical methods of maple sugar production.  Students watch and taste maple syrup as it's being made and help at various stages of the process. Offered February through March Grades K-Adult

The Stream Study Program provides participants with an exciting look at stream life.  Wearing old sneakers, and brandishing kitchen strainers, students explore a section of stream and discover some of the algae, liverworts, sponges, insect naiads, crayfish and mussels which thrive in the cool, rushing water. Offered May through June Grades K-Adult

The Nature Study Program introduces participants to the fascinating variety of plant and animal life in our area.  The Reservation's fields, woods, and wetlands provide an exciting setting for nature study unsurpassed in our region.  Topics discussed can include:  Habitats, Animal Tracking, and Forest Ecology, and will vary according to season of the year. Offered February through December.   Habitats-Grades K-1  Animal Tracking Grades 2-3 Forest Ecology Grades 4-Adult

The Archeology Program provides the opportunity for students to participate in a mock dig, using the tools of the archaeologist: trowels, brushes, strainers, and a grid system, to uncover artifacts from four different eras of human history.  Additional activities reinforce the skills needed to interpret archaeological finds.  Offered April through June Grades 4-Adult

The Leatherman Program, with stories, a replicated outfit, pictures, and  a short video (upon request) piques the curiosity of all ages.  With eager anticipation, a guided hike to one of the Leatherman's caves sparks  the imagination to relive the journeys of this intriguing hermit who wandered the area in the late 19th Century.     The following program runs longer than 2 hours.  Offered all year Grades 4-Adult  

The Orienteering Program provides basic land navigation skills that can be used in the wilderness or on the road.  Students learn map and terrain association and orientation.  They also learn to measure distances on the map, as well as on the ground.  Correct and effective compass use is thoroughly covered.  Groups are limited to 15 students per museum staff.  Offered all year Grades 5-Adult

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