Nature Discovery Kits

“This was wonderful exposure to bird nests for our group. This kit enhanced their observation skills and provided many opportunities for inquiry. We love being able to borrow these kits! Thank you so much for making them available to us!!” –Donna K.

Contact Person for Information: Education Assistant

Description of Program

Sea and Sage Audubon offers free loan of our Nature Discovery Kits to Orange County educators for two weeks. We understand that prepared taxidermy specimens and other science materials are not readily available to local educators, and we are happy to help supplement your scientific investigations with your students so that they can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Orange County’s wildlife.

The topics of the 6 kits are Bats, Owls, Butterflies & Moths, Reptiles & Amphibians, Songbird Nests, and Wonderful Life of a Dying Tree. Each kit contains a Teacher Resource Notebook, reference books for teachers, a research project for students, and a variety of prepared specimens, videos, posters, children’s read-aloud books, puppets, and other items. Kits are appropriate for upper elementary students but may be adapted for younger or older students. Only one kit may be borrowed at a time.

Brochure About Nature Discovery Kits

Free Program

Loan is FREE although we appreciate donations to maintain the kits. We require a $50 deposit check (payable to Sea and Sage Audubon) when you pick up your kit. Deposit check will be returned or shredded (your choice) when all items are returned on time and undamaged.

How to Enroll

We require one month’s notice for scheduling (no short notice requests, please). Contact our volunteer Nature Discovery Kit coordinator with your preferred dates and kit topic.

Picking Up Your Kit (map included)

What Participants Write:

“They loved playing with the puppet! The posters and taxidermy bats brought the learning alive for them. The children go from fearing bats to loving them. They realize bats are gentle and very helpful!” Teresa F.
“The children LOVED seeing and gently feeling the snakeskin. The children loved listening to the frog sounds CD. Your kits are able to put my students in touch with things I don’t have access to (snake bones, snakeskin, and real turtle). THANK YOU!!!” Tara K.
“This was the third kit that we borrowed, and again, we were impressed with the materials and taxidermy specimens. We feel so lucky to have access to such a great program. Thank you.” – Marion B.