Nature Discovery After School Club - Elementary School Fall 2025

We can't wait to explore the Preserve with your student(s) in this drop-off after school club for 1st-5th graders! This is an exclusive opportunity to experience hands-on exploration, investigation and discovery in ways unavailable to those just visiting the Preserve. We'll provide tools and expertise to go deep into a variety of topics. We want to grow a love of nature in your student, and train young naturalists in a casual, fun-oriented environment. These classes are always joyful and filled with wonder!

Ideally, students will attend multiple Nature Discovery sessions. Since topics and meet up locations change, each time is new and they can build on what they know. It is also OK to jump in at any point!

REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT THE TUESDAY BEFORE CLASS. If you miss the deadline, you may email sarah@conesteepreserve.org to determine if there is still space for your child. CLASS SHOWING FULL? We can start a wait list. Reach out. We'll do our best to accommodate!

WHO

1st - 5th Graders

WHEN

3:00-4:30 PM, 1st and 3rd Thursdays
Sept - Nov. 2025

Themes for each date coming soon!

• Sept. 11-Who pooped in the woods?- Join us for a "scatvenger" hunt and to learn more about what animals teach us by what they leave behind.
• Sept. 25-Things the river carries - Participants will build boats out of natural materials to float down the river and we will discuss the other beneficial things the river brings into the ecosystem.
• Oct. 9th-Owl /About Owls - Learn all about the owls at Conestee and dissect an owl pellet. 
• Oct. 23rd-Conestee Rocks! - We will explore what types of rocks are found at Conestee and how they were formed.
• Nov. 6th-Salamander Sleuthing - Learn about the different species of salamanders found in the Preserve and then go a hunt to hopefully find some real ones!
• Nov. 20th-Ecosystem Exploration - Learn what connects everything together and go home with your own mini terrarium.

COST

Most popular: the Semester Bundle! Register for all classes (6 sessions) for $50.00 per student.

Individual sessions are $10 per student. If you try the first week and LOVE it, you can switch to a bundle. Ask us how! While you can come to just one class if you choose, one is never enough!

COMPLETE WAIVER

Every parent must fill out THIS FORM  for each child attending. This waiver will apply to all Nature Discovery Programs offered during the 2025-2026 school year so you should only need to fill it out once per child.

WHERE

Meetup locations will change each session. Registered participants will be emailed on the Wednesday prior to the event to let you know where we are meeting. If you don't receive the week of email please contact sarah@conesteepreserve.org.

WHAT TO BRING
Please bring a water bottle. Sunscreen and bug spray should be applied before class if needed. Club sessions are entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. 

CANCELLATIONS

We will cancel if we have less than 6 participants, so encourage your friends to sign up with you! We will notify participants by noon the day of the class if we are cancelling due to weather. Cancellations by participants must be made 1 week prior to the event for a full refund, with the exception of cancellations due to illness. If the event is cancelled by CNP or due to illness, full refunds will be issued.