Community Nature Programs
Join us for fun, family-friendly activities including tide pooling, salt marsh investigation, nature journaling and more, led by SSC naturalists.
Join us for our naturalist-led group programs! Come explore the tide pools to discover what animals live there and how they survive in this harsh, dynamic ecosystem. Discover what lives just off the sandy beach in a Seine Netting program, or find out why the Salt Marsh is such a vital ecosystem for wildlife and humans alike. Each program ends with a self-guided visit to Seacoast Science Center, where you can learn more about the Gulf of Maine and the ways we can all become healthy ocean advocates!
Programs:
- Rocky Shore Tide Pooling
- Nature Journaling
- Seine Netting (2 hour program)
- Salt Marsh Investigation
- Rockweed Biomass Survey (2 hour program)
- Dates: See program schedule below
- Program Length: 90 minutes, unless otherwise noted
- Ages: These programs are best for ages 5 and up
- Non-Member Cost: Ages 12-Adult: $17; Ages 3-11: $13
- Member Cost: Ages 3-Adult: $5
Details:
- Tickets are sold in advance per specific program and date. Walk-ins are subject to availability.
- Your receipt is your ticket for entry.
- Please arrive at SSC early for your registered session and be ready to go!
- Your ticket includes entry to SSC; you will have time to explore exhibits after the program.
- Closed-toed shoes (or rain boots) that can get wet are preferable for all programs and are required for tide pooling.
- Please dress for the weather; it is always cooler on the coast! Layers are best.
- Space is limited to 25 participants per session.
Program Schedule
Rocky Shore Tide Pooling
Tide pools are special places, home to an array of fascinating animals and seaweeds uniquely adapted to thrive between the tides—in the rocky intertidal zone. Join us for tide pooling explorations as we search for crabs, sea stars, urchins and more! Want to get a jump on learning before your program? Check out these tide pooling videos to learn more about the intertidal at Odiorne! Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pool Preparation Explore the Rocky Shore: Tide Pooling 101| Saturday, May 27 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Sunday, May 28 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Saturday, June 10: MEMBERS ONLY | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Saturday, June 24 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Sunday, June 25 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Saturday, July 8: MEMBERS ONLY | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Sunday, July 9 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Sunday, July 23 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
| Saturday, August 5: MEMBERS ONLY | 10:00-11:30am |
| Sunday, August 6 | 10:00-11:30am |
| Saturday, August 26 | 1:00-2:30pm |
| Sunday, August 27 | 1:00-2:30pm |
| Sunday, September 10 | 1:00-2:30pm |
Nature Journaling
Join us for a Nature Journaling experience for the entire family. We will head outside and take a moment to practice the art of observation, taking time to connect with our surroundings. During this program you will walk away with new ideas for drawing and writing about what you are experiencing in nature in a fun, creative and engaging way. This will be a guided activity with a naturalist and there is no experience necessary. All the materials you will need will be provided for you upon arrival.| Saturday, June 17 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
Seine Netting
Join SSC naturalists for an exploration of the hidden world of marine life in the tidal zone! Using a seine net (a long, narrow net used to gather specimens in shallow water) naturalists will collect animals that we rarely get to see from the beach including fish, sea stars, crabs, mollusks, and more! This program will include a 15 minute walk to and from the area where the seine net will be used. Participants should wear close-toed shoes that can get wet and weather appropriate clothing.| Saturday, July 22 | 10:00am-12:00am |
Salt Marsh Investigation
The salt marsh is a unique and very important ecosystem situated between land and sea that serves as a nursery, sponge, filter, food source, and migratory safe haven for animals and humans alike. Come learn about this important ecosystem and visit the salt marsh up close! You’ll gain new appreciation for this beautiful and productive habitat.| Saturday, August 12 | 10:30am-12:00pm |
Rockweed Biomass Survey (Citizen Science Program)
Become a community (citizen) scientist and join SSC naturalists on an investigation of the coasts’ most abundant seaweed, rockweed! This algae provides critical habitat and resources for coastal animal and human communities, and with your help scientists can better understand just how much of it is out there. You’ll be introduced to various species of seaweed and coastal data collection methods during this two-hour program. Participants should wear weather appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes. No experience necessary; all materials will be provided.| Saturday, September 9 | 1:00-3:00pm |
Cancellation Policy
All programs are delivered rain or shine. In the event of severe weather such as thunder and lightning, registered individuals will be personally notified about cancellation prior to the program. You may choose to reschedule for an open date; if unable to reschedule, a full refund will be issued. Other than severe weather cancellations, program fees are non-refundable.
