Dartmouth, MA –  After months of exposure to hands-on science classes and activities involving the dynamic and complex ecology of birds, taught by naturalist/educators from the Lloyd Center for the Environment, excited third-grade students from Dartmouth finally had a chance to visit the Center’s Hardscrabble Farm facilities and nature preserve for a much anticipated in-the-field experience.  Through birds, these budding scientists have been exploring basic concepts of science, such as the food chain, predator/prey relationships, adaptations, migration, extinction, heredity and habitat use.  Through the program, the children have focused on the identification of local birds and their physical characteristics and behaviors.  The visit to the Lloyd Center campus wrapped up “Feathery Focus”, providing the children with a first-hand look at these fascinating creatures.

When visiting the Center’s nature exhibits and unique education facilities, each child had a chance to participate in four workshops designed to view birds in their natural environment.  Segmented into groups, the children worked together to make bird nests and masks.  They walked the Center’s untrammeled nature trails, listening to and identifying bird calls, putting to practical use the knowledge of various birds’ physical identification characteristics they had learned in class.

Upon successful completion of the program, students demonstrate a significantly improved understanding of the species diversity of birds within their very own community.  These young Dartmouth “birders” now know how species interact with the environment, and how birds are adapted to their environment (beak, feet adaptations, coloration).  If previous successes of this program are any indicator, the piqued curiosity of these children will lead them to become more sensitive to issues facing birds and the natural world in which they struggle to survive.

Founded in 1978 and situated with its headquarters and spectacular nature preserve overlooking the scenic Slocum River estuary in Dartmouth Massachusetts, the LLOYD CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT has achieved a well earned reputation for excellence in environmental research and education.  Through its innovative outreach programs, it has established itself as a highly regarded leader in the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the area’s fragile coastal resources and the importance of protecting them. 

Located on 55 acres of pristine salt marsh, maritime forest and wetlands at the mouth of the Slocum River, the Center’s Hardscrabble Farm Visitor Center is open to the public, without charge, Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Among skeletal exhibits there, the visitor will find a 16-foot-long pilot whale skeleton, as well as those of a dolphin and an enormous leatherback turtle which was found just off the Dartmouth coast.  The Center’s live aquaria exhibits contain many species of local fresh and saltwater fish and invertebrates, as well a highly popular touch-tank where visitors of all ages can pick up spider crabs, whelks, hermit crabs, periwinkles, mussels and green crabs.  The Osprey Room Observatory on the top floor, with its magnificent views of the Elizabeth Islands and Buzzards Bay has been designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs as one of the states 15 Special Places.  Trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.  The Lloyd Center for the Environment is located at 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.  For more information, log onto www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505.