Bats, squirrels, acorns and more! Sign your preschooler or kindergartner up today for the last five weeks of Discovering Autumn!

Online registration continues this week for “Discovering Autumn,” an enrichment program for preschool and kindergarten students and their parents or caregivers. The Monday and Thursday classes have filled, space is still available in Tuesday and Saturdays classes.  Each of these programs supports the park’s goal to introduce nature to children at an early age, so its benefits will last a lifetime.

Park Director Tom Ellbogen stated: “We continue to be pleased with the response and expansion of our preschool program and believe its impact on children will be long-lasting. Interaction with nature at an early age offers unsurpassed opportunities for mental, emotional and physical growth and we believe our rich and varied ecosystem provides the perfect platform to offer children a stimulating, but most importantly, fun experience.”

Parents weighed in on the benefit of the preschool enrichment program for their children as well as for themselves. Monroe resident Ryan Cramer-Forbes stated: “I cannot begin to express how valuable Webb Mountain (Discovery Zone’s) programs have been for my daughter. I enjoyed every minute of watching my daughter learn while having so much fun!” Monroe parent Laura Tully commented: “I have found the classes to be wonderful. And there is no better way to learn about the natural world then to experience it first hand-the kids get the sensory experience of seeing, hearing and touching. Elijah still talks about much of what he learned in the programs and we look forward to the Fall program.” Sandy Hook parent Michele Dutsar added: “(The) program is a unique one-it actually seems to slow down time so that you and your child can explore the woods and all its inhabitants at a pace that is relaxed, not hectic. I recommend this program to everyone!”

Each weekly hour-long program will feature a story and craft at the Discovery Zone outdoor classroom and a walk along the trails tying in the day’s theme. While Monday and Thursday sessions have filled, but beginning October 22nd, there is still space available in the weekly programs offered on Tuesdays (2pm-3pm), and Saturdays (9am-10am and 10:30am-11:30am) for $30 per child for the five weeks. Parents with two children between the ages of 3-6 are welcome to register both children for any class at a discounted price. For more information, visit www.webbmountaindiscoveryzone.com or email at discoveryzone@earthlink.net

Webb Mountain Discovery Zone opened in 2007 to promote outdoor exploration and learning, in a fun, hands-on environment. The Discovery Zone has easy to walk trails of over four miles on 171 acres with twenty-eight hands-on learning stations and a self-directed scavenger hunt created by Hank