Homeschool students get hands-on lesson about local wildlife at Airlie Gardens

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Homeschool students got a hands-on lesson about some of the mammals that call the Cape Fear home Monday at Airlie Gardens.

The program, part of Airlie Gardens’ monthly Homeschool Day, gave students ages 4 to 13 a closer look at local wildlife and the characteristics that define mammals.

Students learned about animals including river otters, bobcats, foxes, raccoons and squirrels. They also examined different types of mammal fur before stamping and coloring animal tracks.

Families later headed out on a nature trail for a scavenger hunt, giving students a chance to put some of what they learned into practice.

Environmental Education Program Coordinator Tanner Nance said becoming familiar with local wildlife can help children build a stronger connection with nature.

“Being familiar with what you coexist with in the wild is incredibly important because it can also help you create a connection with nature,” Nance said.

Nance said the drop in temperatures this fall will also bring changes in animal behavior.

“We’ve probably ourselves felt that there’s been a drop in temperature lately, and it’s going to change the behavior of these animals,” Nance said.

One change families may notice is squirrels preparing for the colder months.

“You’re definitely going to see lots of squirrels nest up in the tree. They’re the big giant kind of blobs of leaves, sticks, all sorts of clutter,” Nance said.

Airlie Gardens hosts Homeschool Day once a month from September through May, with each program focusing on a different environmental topic.