Earthplace

Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center is located at 10 Woodside Lane in Westport, Connecticut. This private non-profit institution was founded in 1958 with a mission to educate the public about nature and the environment. All programs and activities of Earthplace seek to foster an environmental ethic in participanst and explore our connections with the natural world.

Earthplace maintains a 62-acre sanctuary, which is the largest open-space area in Westport. Trails cross areas of wetlands, ponds, streams, hardwood forests and meadows. Wheels In The Woods IV is a Universal Design Nature Trail fully accessible for individuals with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Sightings of rabbits, various bird species, chimunk, deer, box turtles, wild turkey and mink are regularly made on these trails.

Three main gardens (front entry garden, Native Plants Courtyard and the Bird and Butterfly Garden) are maintained at Earthplace by local garden clubs and horticultural societies. The Native plants Courtyard was designed in 1960 by Eloise Ray, a noted landscape architect. This unique atrium garden house many of the plants native to southwestyern Connecticut. Species include: bloodroot, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild ginger, Solomon's seal, yellow lady's slipper and prickly pear cactus. The Bird and Butterfly Garden was created in 1985 and has been accredited by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat. This garden was designed to show how everyone can provide food, shelter, water and nesting sites for wildlife. Birds seen include: hummingbirds, goldfinches, cedar waxwings, robins and cardinals. Visiting butterflies include monarchs, Eastern tiger swallowtails, black swallowtails, skippers and painted ladies.

Programs run by Earthplace include Harbor Watch/River Watch (water quality monitoring and certified laboratory), Nursery School, Summer Camp and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. Earthplace also gives all visitors the opportunity to learn about their connections with nature by exploring hands-on exhibits in Natureplace, the Ecology Resource Room, Animal Hall and Connecticut Birds of Prey area. Animals include: bald eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, a black vulture, kestrel, owls, snakes, toads and insects.

External link

• Official site