Thank you for your interest in adding your site to our network of ecoEXPLORE LoanSpots! ecoEXPLORE is a community science enrichment initiative of The North Carolina Arboretum, an affiliate institution of the University of North Carolina System.

ecoEXPLORE LoanSpots are public libraries, nature centers, museums, or other locations selected for children ages 5-13 and their families to visit. These LoanSpots serve as sites where families can check out outdoor learning materials and equipment such as day packs including nature study gear used for observing and photographing wildlife and plants. Children are invited to photograph organisms and submit their observations to www.ecoexplore.net. High quality observations (aside from those within the Qualla Boundary) are added to iNaturalist.org, a joint initiative from the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. Children earn up to five points per observation which are redeemed for prizes such as wildlife cameras, binoculars, field guides and insect nets. You can learn more by visiting www.ecoexplore.net or email ecoexplore@ncarboretum.org if you have any questions.

By hosting an ecoEXPLORE LoanSpot, your site agrees to:

1) Join our statewide effort to encourage families to spend time outdoors together while participating in real-life field ecology experiences. ecoEXPLORE participants can earn badges by making observations, attending programs at our growing network of ecoEXPLORE partners and joining research scientists in fieldwork demonstrations. Research demonstrates that these types of experiences promote greater interest and enthusiasm for STEM fields among other benefits.