Education Resources

Environmental Education Resources

Part of the Winooski Valley Park District’s mission is to provide opportunities for resource-based education through the preservation of natural areas and in our park system. The WVPD offers opportunities for service learning and field trips to our parks and natural areas, works with multiple schools and non-profits, and leases to Forest Preschool – all to support WVPD’s educational mission.

With Vermont schools shifting to online learning and many people working from home, everyone is looking for things to do outside while staying close to home. Many outdoor and environmental education based organizations are sharing lots of great activities and information to get people outside and engaging with nature during this period of physical isolation. We want to share some of the organizations we follow and some of the fun activities they are making available for families and individuals to use. Check out the list of organization below to keep up to date on what they are offering.

We will also be updating this Google Doc for ideas to Explore Outside! with some of our favorite activities and resources. 

Many of these activities can be done right in your own backyard or neighborhood! WVPD strongly encourages everyone to explore places close to home. Visit our COVID-19 Response Page for more information on how to safely use WVPD parks, along with other resources to check out.

Check out some of the organizations we follow for great outdoor and environmental education resources:

Audubon Vermont & Green Mountain Audubon

North Branch Nature Center

Vermont Institute of Natural Science – VINS

Merck Forest

Lake Champlain Sea Grant & UVM Watershed Alliance

Vermont Center for EcoStudies

The Nature Conservancy of Vermont 

Vermont Fish and Wildlife

Shelburne Farms

Information on what to safely enjoy being outside during COVID-19:

Outdoor Recreation adn COVID-19 from Vermont Department of Forest, Parks & Recreation

Trail Closures: Mud Season & COVID-19

Information on Tick Safety from Vermont Department of Health