Young Naturalists Wanted: Conestee Nature Preserve Offers Hands-On After-School Discovery Club for Elementary Students

Elementary students looking to trade indoor screens for forest trails have an opportunity to step into the role of field scientists this fall through Conestee Nature Preserve’s Nature Discovery Afterschool Club.

Held on the first and third Thursday of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the drop-off enrichment program invites elementary-aged children to explore the 400-acre wildlife sanctuary through guided inquiry, outdoor science investigation, and hands-on discovery.

While the series runs throughout the autumn semester, organizers note that each session operates as a standalone learning adventure, allowing students to jump in at any point or attend multiple dates.

Upcoming November Sessions: State Wildlife & Winter Adaptations

The club’s next two sessions focus on seasonal ecological shifts and native South Carolina fauna:

• Thursday, November 5 — “Doe, a Deer…”

  Focusing on South Carolina’s state mammal, the white-tailed deer, along with other regional wildlife symbols. Students will explore how deer move through the preserve during late autumn, trace animal signs, and observe how local habitats support large herbivores heading into winter.

• Thursday, November 19 — “Freezing, Frigid, Frosty”

  An investigation into cold-weather survival. Young naturalists will examine how local mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds prepare for dropping temperatures, exploring unique biological adaptations, torpor, and winter foraging strategies.

How the Program Works

Led by preserve environmental educators, each 90-minute session takes place entirely outdoors across different habitats within the preserve:

• Rotating Locations: Meetup trailheads change for each session to highlight different ecosystems—from hardwood wetlands to riverbanks. Registered families receive the exact meetup location via email prior to each date.

• Drop-Off Model: Parents drop off their elementary-age students for guided trail hikes and interactive experiments.

• Gear & Safety: Participants should arrive dressed for the weather and bring a water bottle. Sunscreen and insect repellent should be applied prior to arrival. A completed online waiver is required for all participating students before class.

Registration, Costs, and Deadlines

Registration closes at midnight on the Tuesday prior to each session to allow staff to finalize planning. If a session reaches capacity, organizers maintain a waitlist.

• Cost: $10 per individual session (plus a $0.25 service fee) or a full semester 6-session bundle for $50 (plus a $1.25 fee).

• Refund Policy: Cancellations made at least one week in advance or due to illness receive a full refund. Classes operate with a four-student minimum, and any weather cancellations are communicated by noon on the day of the event.

• Contact & Registration: Parents can register via the preserve’s online event portal. Questions, late inquiries, or waitlist requests can be directed to [email protected].