Earthplace
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center is a nature center and wildlife sanctuary located at 10 Woodside Lane in Westport, Connecticut.
In 2006 Earthplace opened a museum exhibit room called Natureplace, featuring nature displays, information and hands-on activities. Five large wildlife dioramas depict animals and plants found in various seasons and ecosystems in Connecticut.
Earthplace houses a large collection of rescued wildlife that are exhibited as species ambassadors, including bald eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, a black vulture, a kestrel, several types of owls, a black rat snake, and big brown bats. Several domestic animals are used in public programs, including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, a Burmese python and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
Earthplace maintains a 62-acre sanctuary, which is the largest open-space area in Westport. Trails cross areas of wetlands, ponds, streams, hardwood forests and meadows. Sightings of rabbits, chipmunks, deer, box turtles, wild turkeys, and mink, bullfrogs, wood frogs and many birds are regularly made on the trails.
The Native Plants Courtyard was designed in 1960 by landscape architect Eloise Ray to highlight plants native to southwestern Connecticut. Species include bloodroot, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild ginger, Solomon's seal, yellow lady's slipper and prickly pear cactus.
The Bird and Butterfly Garden was created in 1985 and has been accredited by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat that is designed to provide food, shelter, water and nesting sites for wildlife. Birds seen include hummingbirds, American goldfinches, cedar waxwings, Robins, and cardinals. Visiting butterflies include monarchs, Eastern tiger swallowtails, black swallowtails, skippers, and painted ladies.
The Mary Eason Swett Wildlife Rehabilitation program rescues hundred of local animals each year, with the goal of releasing each animal back into the wild.
Harbor Watch / River Watch is a water quality monitoring program supported by Earthplace. Staff scientists work with volunteers to take water samples from area streams and rivers, which are then analyzed in the center's state-certified laboratory. Harbor Watch also monitors the population of juvenile benthic fish in the Norwalk harbor.
Since 1967, the Earthplace Preschool, licensed by the state of Connecticut, has offered a unique nature-oriented program and a wonderful educational experience. Students enjoy walking on the trails of the 62-acre wildlife sanctuary, and have direct access to the many wild and teaching animals that reside at Earthplace. Fun learning experiences are provided in order to encourage children to develop a strong sense of self and an appreciation for the natural world around them.
A large bronze statue of a mother bear and two cubs by noted animal sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington is placed near the entrance to two major trails.
