Month of September and October
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
September and October are Arachnology Months for ecoEXPLORE Field Season!
Step into the world of spiders and other eight-legged explorers as you uncover the important roles these often-misunderstood creatures play in nature. Search the trails at the Cradle of Forestry or look closer at the habitats around your home to find, photograph, and share your arachnid discoveries through ecoEXPLORE!
ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is an incentive-based community science program for children in grades K-8. Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative program combines science exploration with kid-friendly technology to foster a fun learning environment for children while encouraging them to explore the outdoors and participate in community science.
The Cradle of Forestry is an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot and LoanSpot! Each photo observation taken at a HotSpot OR LoanSpot is eligible for +1 POINT redeemable for ecoEXPLORE Prizes.
HotSpots: ecoEXPLORE HotSpots are great places to explore nature and submit wildlife observations that are especially helpful for scientists! We currently have 500+ HotSpots (and counting) across North Carolina. Which one is closest to you?
LoanSpots: ecoEXPLORE LoanSpots are locations where participants can check out backpacks with nature-viewing equipment for FREE! These materials include binoculars, magnifying tools, insect nets, bird calls, trail cameras, and more.
Supplies may differ between LoanSpots. Please contact individual sites for questions about supplies and availability.
How to EXPLORE
See It!
After signing up online, participants go outside in their own backyard or at designated ecoEXPLORE HotSpots to find wildlife species, including plants, reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds.
Snap It!
Participants can use their own device (or borrow one from an adult) to photograph wildlife while noting the date, location, time, and species observed.
Share It!
Participants then log into their ecoEXPLORE profile online and submit their “share” or observation. Arboretum staff will then review the data and submit all approved submissions to the iNaturalist Network, which is used by real scientists!
Plan Your Visit
