Venture into our meadow to search for beetles, butterflies, spiders, and more as we learn why insects and other bugs are truly amazing creatures. *Please note that the hands-on portion of exploring for live insects is best done before October.*

A fun, interactive experience that blends both science and history. We will examine an apple’s life cycle, some of the many varieties of apples and their uses, as well as learn more about the real “Johnny Appleseed” and his connections to Western Pennsylvania.

There is also an option for participants to try their hand at making their own applesauce.

Students will learn about what makes our feathered friends so special, and take a better look at some of the different species of birds in PA.

We will also enjoy a nature hike with some binoculars to observe the birds we have here at Fern Hollow in their natural habitat.

Celebrate the fascinating world of honey bees, while learning how and why they are so essential to the rest of the environment around them. Participants will explore the meadow to see why it’s so attractive to our local bees, visit Fern Hollow’s own apiary, and have an opportunity to see the inhabitants of our classroom’s “learning hive” hard at work.

*Please note that our learning hive may only be available before temperatures drop below freezing.*

Autumn is an exciting time of year because there are so many changes taking place.

Through hands-on activities and the use of some real scientific tools, students will examine some different parts of nature, how those plants and animals adapt from Summer to Winter, and “hypothesize” if Fall has come to Fern Hollow!

We will look at the 3 basic groups of rocks- Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic. Students will also have a chance to use some real scientific tools & tests to further observe and investigate some examples of each type.

Test your knowledge of our native mammals and learn about the unique adaptations that help them to succeed in our environment.

Participants will have a chance to explore the meadow and grounds to see if we can guess what mammals make Fern Hollow home.

*Can also be adapted to include a focus on how animals prepare for winter*

Learn the history and science of making maple syrup and why PA is the perfect place to tap a tree.

*Please note this program is only offered late February through March to coincide with the sap flow.*


We often share our environment with many different animals, but how many do we actually see with our own eyes?

Using our senses, as well as real scientific tools, we’ll investigate the clues that our furry friends can leave behind to answer nature questions, such as who lives around us.

Trees are all around us, but we don’t always realize how important they are to our environment! We will learn more about the parts of a tree, how they help us and other parts of nature, as well as get a chance to explore Fern Hollow’s Native Tree Walk.

Learn about the special relationship between plants and their pollinators- insects, butterflies, birds, and others- and why it is important to all of us!

Discover the amazing ways plants move their seeds around while practicing botany and science skills on a hike through our meadow.

We will compare and contrast the life habits of these two familiar rodents. Students will also enjoy a hike around Fern Hollow’s grounds to spot some in their natural habitat.

We will identify the unique adaptations of beetles, butterflies, spiders, and more as we learn why insects and other bugs are such awesome creatures.

We’ll take a look at some of the amazing “superpowers” that owls possess, learn more about some of the species of owls that we have here in Pennsylvania, and have the opportunity to investigate owl pellets.

Students will learn about what makes our feathered friends so special, and take a better look at some of the different species of birds in PA.

Test your knowledge of our native mammals and learn about the unique adaptations that help them to succeed in our environment.

*Can also be adapted to include a focus on how animals prepare for winter*

Learn about the special relationship between plants and their pollinators- insects, butterflies, birds, and others- and why it is important to all of us!