Tiny Explorers, Big Discoveries: Conestee Nature Preserve Unveils 2026–2027 ‘Knee-high Naturalists’ Program

Conestee Nature Preserve has announced the upcoming schedule for Knee-high Naturalists (KHN), its popular nature-based education series designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 5.

Running twice monthly on select Thursday and Saturday mornings from September 2026 through May 2027, the interactive program invites young children and their parents or guardians to explore the outdoors through hands-on learning, storybooks, movement, and crafts.

Each one-hour session takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at various outdoor locations across the preserve’s 400-acre sanctuary.

Hands-On Learning Tailored for Early Childhood

Conestee’s Knee-high Naturalists program blends early childhood developmental skills—including fine and gross motor skill exercises, songs, and story readings—with age-appropriate environmental science.

To keep curriculum engaging across the seasons, each month focuses on a distinct outdoor theme:

🍂 2026 Fall & Winter Schedule:

• September 3 & 5: Migration & Dragonflies

• October 8 & 10: Bats & Nocturnal Animals

• November 12 & 14: Invertebrates & Snails

• December 10 & 12: Wintering Birds & Bird Feeders

🌸 2027 Spring Schedule:

• February 11 & 13: Aquatic Animals & Frogs

• March 11 & 13: Metamorphosis: Caterpillars & Butterflies

• April 8 & 10: Earth Day Celebration

• May 13 & 15: Synchronization & Fireflies

Registration, Pricing, and Event Details

To ensure personalized attention and adequate craft materials, registration is required in advance. Official registration closes at midnight on the Tuesday prior to each scheduled class.

Because activities take place at rotating spots within the preserve, registered families will receive a detailed email prior to each session confirming the exact meetup trailhead.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Target Audience: Children ages 2–5 with a parent or guardian.

• Pricing: $10.00 per individual ticket (covers 1 child + 1 adult). Additional children or extra adults are $8.00 each.

• Bundle Savings: Full season Thursday or Saturday packages are available for $30.00.

• Younger Siblings: Children under 2 attend free (note: free admission does not include craft supplies unless registered as a paying child).

• What to Bring: Water bottle, along with sunscreen and bug spray applied prior to arrival.

Organizers note that events require a minimum of six participants to run. Full refunds are granted for participant cancellations made at least one week prior to the session, or for illness-related cancellations.

For registration links, full program guidelines, or late registration inquiries, visit conesteepreserve.org or contact education coordinator Jim at [email protected].