Bluebirds of Vermont
Eastern Bluebirds

The Eastern Bluebird is a beautiful bird and has an interesting life history that includes the New England landscape as it has changed over time. We will learn about the bird's special habits and its nesting requirements at the High Ponds Farm where bluebirds have nested in manmade nest boxes as well as natural tree cavities for many years. Come visit us at the High Ponds Farm or we can come to your classroom and share with you details about this bird's life cycle. Whether at the High Ponds Farm or at your school, your class may participate in building bluebird nest boxes from kits designed by the Hazen's Notch Association.

Owls of Northern Vermont
Birds of Prey

Owls have evolved over millions of years to be some of the most successful predators of the night by adaptations to basic anatomy - especially of feathers, eyes and ears. Through pictures, recordings and discussion, we will learn about the owls that occur in northern Vermont year-round and some of those that may only be seen in the Winter months - from the diminutive Northern Saw-whet Owl to the familiar Barred Owl to the grand Great Gray Owl and others.

Frogs and Toads
Amphibians of Vermont

Frogs and Toads are an essential part of enjoying Summer since we get to explore their many habitats in and around wetlands. In this program, we will learn about 6 species of frogs and 1 species of toad that occur in northern Vermont through pictures and recordings while visiting Moosewood Ponds. We will also learn about efforts to research and gather information through The Vermont Reptile & Amphibian Atlas Project and the Vermont Vernal Pool Mapping Project.

Forestry Trail
Learning About Trees As We Go

An interpretive nature walk on either the Bear Paw Pond Area or the High Ponds Farm, concentrating on the study of trees. We'll look at the deciduous and coniferous trees of the northern forest: maple, ash, birch, spruce, fir and hemlock. We'll learn how to tell them apart and how man and wildlife make use of them. In Autumn we use color and cones for clues; in Winter bark, branching habit and buds tell the story; in Spring tree flowers reveal each tree species. The trees of Vermont's mountains are easy to know in any season with our simple key to trees.

Wetlands Ecology
Ponds, Bogs, Beavers & Frogs

We'll explore the High Ponds Farm and its complex of beaver ponds, beaver lodges and beaver meadows on the Hazen's Notch Conservation Lands. Beavers have a fascinating life cycle we can learn about as well as learning how other animals use the beaver's habitat. Vermont has 8 species of frogs, many of which make these ponds their home. We'll learn the different calls and distinctive markings of the frogs as we walk the Wetlands Interpretive Trail around Moosewood Ponds.

Ecology Field Trip
Understanding Nature's Web

This is an interpretive nature walk at either the Bear Paw Pond Area or the High Ponds Farm focusing on the subject of ecology. We'll study the natural resources found in a variety of plant communities and wildlife habitats that we pass through, looking for signs of the different birds and animals which use the area. Tracks, bird song, scat and food sources all teach us to observe signs of animals which are not always easy to see. Our walk will take us through hayfield, old pasture, a wet meadow, a mixed hardwood/softwood forest, an evergreen plantation, and to one or more ponds and a stream.

Botany
Learning to Identify Plants

From lichens and moss to flowers and ferns, we'll show your class some common plant friends and ways to tell them apart. Animals and people benefit from plants in so many ways. We'll share with you some of what we have learned about the many uses plants provided for Native Americans and their many modern uses. From edible and medicinal to just plain beautiful, plants have so much to give. We'll learn how to use a basic key to identify plants and come away from our walk with a better appreciation of the plant world.

The Long Trail
A Vermont Legacy

Let us introduce your class to the Long Trail. HNA Co-Director and Green Mountain Club Past President Rolf Anderson is your guide to the LT, America's oldest long distance hiking trail. We'll follow the trail to one of its numerous shelters and learn about the history of the LT and its importance to Vermonters. Along the way we'll pause to look at map lichen, club moss, wood sorrel, bear claw marks and mountain ash. This class will cover some geography, geology, ecology and advice on hiking the trail safely.

Forestry Trail
Learning About Trees As We Go

An interpretive nature walk on either the Bear Paw Pond Area or the High Ponds Farm, concentrating on the study of trees. We’ll look at the deciduous and coniferous trees of the northern forest: maple, ash, birch, spruce, fir and hemlock. We’ll learn how to tell them apart and how man and wildlife make use of them. In Autumn we use color and cones for clues; in Winter bark, branching habit and buds tell the story; in Spring tree flowers reveal each tree species. The trees of Vermont’s mountains are easy to know in any season with our simple key to trees.

The Glaciology of Vermont
Erratics, Tarns & Morraines

Learn how ancient glaciers and modern streams created the landscape of Vermont and New England. Read the story of erosion as we follow the glacier’s tracks along the Flood Brook drainage beneath Burnt Mountain on the High Ponds Farm. We’ll see glacial erratics as we trace the route of ice and water to the Missisquoi River Valley. Students will come away from this field trip able to recognize how glaciers past and rivers present have and continue to shape our Vermont landscape.

Ecology Field Trip
Understanding Nature’s Web

This is an interpretive nature walk at either the Bear Paw Pond Area or the High Ponds Farm focusing on the subject of ecology. We’ll study the natural resources found in a variety of plant communities and wildlife habitats that we pass through, looking for signs of the different birds and animals which use the area. Tracks, bird song, scat and food sources all teach us to observe signs of animals which are not always easy to see. Our walk will take us through hayfield, old pasture, a wet meadow, a mixed hardwood/softwood forest, an evergreen plantation, and to one or more ponds and a stream.

Botany
Learning to Identify Plants

From lichens and moss to flowers and ferns, we’ll show your class some common plant friends and ways to tell them apart. Animals and people benefit from plants in so many ways. We’ll share with you some of what we have learned about the many uses plants provided for Native Americans and their many modern uses. From edible and medicinal to just plain beautiful, plants have so much to give. We’ll learn how to use a basic key to identify plants and come away from our walk with a better appreciation of the plant world.

The Long Trail
A Vermont Legacy

Let us introduce your class to the Long Trail. HNA Co-Director and Green Mountain Club past President Rolf Anderson is your guide to the LT, America’s oldest long distance hiking trail. We’ll follow the trail to one of its numerous shelters and learn about the history of the LT and its importance to Vermonters. Along the way we’ll pause to look at map lichen, club moss, wood sorrel, bear claw marks and mountain ash. This class will cover some geography, geology, ecology and advice on hiking the trail safely.

Trails for Schools Program
Kids In Action