Inside the Wild

Prairie Dogs

March 13, 2027 – 2-4pm

What do prairie dogs have in common with humans. More than you might think!

From their elaborate underground neighborhoods to their surprisingly sophisticated conversations, prairie dogs are full of surprises! Join us as we explore their fascinating social lives, unique behaviors, and important role in the ecosystem.

And of course, you’ll get to meet Violet, Acorn Acres’ newest wildlife ambassador and a black-tailed prairie dog! Discover her story, get an up-close look at these charismatic little creatures, and find out why prairie dogs are so much more than cute faces and funny squeaks.

Come curious. Leave wild about prairie dogs!

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A Habitat Is Where It’s At!

April 17, 2027 – 2-4pm

There’s no place like home – even in the wild!

From underground burrows and treetop nests to backyard gardens and wooded forests, every wild animal needs a place to call home! But what makes a habitat the perfect fit?

Join Acorn Acres as we explore the fascinating ways wildlife finds food, water, shelter, and space to survive. Discover how different animals adapt to their surroundings, what happens when habitats disappear, and how you can turn your own backyard into a wildlife-friendly haven.

Get ready to discover why a habitat really IS where it’s at!

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Bees!

May 22, 2027 – 2-4pm

What’s all the buzz about bees? 🐝

They’re tiny, hardworking, and responsible for so much more than making honey! From busy honeybees to solitary native bees, these incredible pollinators play a vital role in keeping our gardens, forests, and food supply thriving.

Join Acorn Acres as we explore the fascinating world of bees! Discover how they communicate, why pollination matters, and what makes these little insects so important to our ecosystem. We’ll also bust some common bee myths and share simple ways you can help protect our buzzing neighbors.

Bee curious. Bee amazed. Bee part of the solution!

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Jr. Wildlife Rehabilitator

June 19, 2026 – 2-4pm

June 19, 2026 – 10am-12pm

June’s Inside the Wild program offers participants a realistic, hands-on look at what happens behind the scenes in a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Students will step into the role of a rehabilitator as they practice intake and assessment, weighing patients, administering mock medications, basic wound care, and housing and husbandry decisions using models, tools, and guided scenarios. Participants will complete care for their assigned “patients” and take them home, reinforcing learning beyond the session. Led by experienced educators, this immersive experience highlights the precision, responsibility, and compassion required in wildlife rehabilitation. 

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Wildlife Crafts

July 10, 2027 – 2-4pm

Get crafty and let your wild side shine! 🎨🐿️

Calling all little artists, nature lovers, and creative minds! Join Acorn Acres for a hands-on adventure where wildlife and creativity come together.

Explore the wonders of nature through fun, wildlife-inspired crafts while learning fascinating facts about the animals that share our world. It’s a chance to get creative, make something special to take home, and discover a little more about our wild neighbors along the way.

Bring your imagination, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for some WILD fun!

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Backbones

August 14, 2027 – 2-4pm

Got backbone? Wildlife certainly does—but not everyone has one! 🦴

What do squirrels, snakes, frogs, and birds have in common? They’ve all got backbones! But not all backbones are created equal.

Join Acorn Acres as we explore the fascinating world of vertebrates and discover how bones help animals move, survive, and adapt to their environments. From flexible spines to amazing skeletons, we’ll uncover some surprising differences between the animals that share our planet.

Get ready for a bone-afide adventure that’s anything but ordinary!

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Leave No Trace/TRACKS!

September 18, 2027 – 2-4pm

Wildlife leaves clues everywhere. Can you spot them? 🐾

You don’t have to see an animal to know it’s been there! From muddy footprints and mysterious trails to scat and other signs, wildlife leaves behind fascinating clues about its daily adventures.

Join Acorn Acres as we become nature detectives, learning how to identify animal tracks and discover who’s been wandering through our backyards and forests. We’ll also explore the principles of Leave No Trace and how to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting wildlife and the places they call home.

Learn to follow their tracks while leaving none of your own!

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Magical Plants & Potions

October 30, 2027 – 2-4pm

Calling all curious minds and budding witches and wizards! 🌿🧙

Did you know that nature is filled with plants that seem almost magical? From mysterious herbs and colorful flowers to plants with surprising powers, the natural world is full of secrets waiting to be discovered!

Join Professor Annie for an enchanting adventure into the world of plants and potions! Explore fascinating plant facts, uncover some of nature’s most unusual botanical wonders, and discover how plants have been used throughout history.

Bring your curiosity and a little imagination – Professor Annie’s classroom is where science meets magic!

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