Topic: What Lives Here? The Garden Ecosystem
Homeschoolers and their parents/caregivers join together in an outdoor learning experience like no other! The SEED Wildlife & Children's Garden offers a wonderful opportunity to explore nature up close. Each student will walk away with a greater understanding of the environmental topic of the month.
Registration in advance is required. Space is limited. If you need to cancel your registration, please let us know so that we may accommodate anyone on the waitlist.
Program is rain or shine. Please see cancellation policy on our Happenings page.
Member cost is $10/student;
$15/family maximum
Non-member cost is $15/student;
$20/family maximum
Registration required for each student, ages 4-16 (program adapted for the age of student).
No charge for educator/adult chaperone. Younger siblings permitted with accompanying adult.
Cancellation & Refund Policy for Events and Programs:
Event or program registrant may cancel up to 48 hours prior to the program or program start date (when a series of classes or workshops) by calling 704.331.0664 to receive a full refund. Should Wing Haven need to cancel a program due to inclement weather as determined by garden staff for the safety of our guests, we will work to reschedule the program or a full refund will be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Homeschool Explorer Program?
The Homeschool Explorer Program is a special offering for homeschool families that combines facilitated programming with self-guided exploration in Wing Haven's gardens. After a brief introduction to the month’s topic in the SEED Wildlife Garden’s Story Time area, program participants will have the opportunity to navigate a variety of thoughtfully facilitated activities stationed throughout the SEED Wildlife Garden. At each station, volunteers will guide parents and children in engaging with the month’s topic through hands-on exploration, guided observation, and creative projects.
After the program, we ask all participants to check out with Wing Haven staff. At check-out, those wishing to explore on their own will receive a sticker to grant admission into all three of Wing Haven’s properties: Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary, SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, and the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden.
Is the program really for ages 4-16?
Yes! The Homeschool Explorer Program celebrates multi-age collaboration as a way for students to learn from their peers and practice navigating diverse perspectives. Volunteers are prepared to provide varying levels of challenge at each activity station. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of the program activities and nature journal prompts that best fit their child’s developmental stage.
What should I bring?
In addition to facilitated activities, age-appropriate nature journaling prompts will be provided each month. We encourage students to respond to these prompts during their visit to Wing Haven. All students are encouraged to bring a journal from home for recording their journal response.
What should I wear?
Plan to dress for the outdoors. We have lots of dirt (and mud!) and a stream bed; boots are welcome. Please refrain from wearing a bathing suit; the stream bed is not a pool, but children are welcome to dip their toes in the water.
What happens if it rains or snow?
The program operates in all weather. There is outside shelter in case of inclement weather. For severe weather, Wing Haven will cancel the program and inform participants.