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.
2) Lend out 3 ecoEXPLORE Discovery Backpacks filled with nature study areas to the public free of charge. These items are provided by The North Carolina Arboretum thanks to our funders and become the property of your or center.
3) Offer an Outdoor Study Area for patrons to make observations of plants and animals. LoanSpots will receive a custom ecoEXPLORE HotSpot sign for posting in prominent space and a *bird watching station (includes 2 feeders, hanging system, bird seed, and suet feed from Wild Birds Unlimited - $270 value).
*Bird watching station and other wildlife viewing supplies are limited to 1 LoanSpot per NC county
OPTIONAL:
4) Host ecoEXPLORE-aligned
education programs for youth at your site (recommended 4 per year). ecoEXPLORE will provide seasonal activity guides, suggested curricula,
networking with local ecoEXPLORE partners, and
promotional support for your free or low-cost events on the ecoEXPLORE website.
To be considered as one of the 100 LoanSpots to be added to North Carolina please complete the following questionnaire.