- Earthplace
Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center is a nature center and
wildlife sanctuary located at 10 Woodside Lane inWestport, Connecticut .In 2006 Earthplace opened a museum exhibit room called Natureplace, featuring nature displays, information and hands-on activities. Five large wildlife
diorama s depict animals and plants found in various seasons and ecosystems in Connecticut. The museum in accredited by theAmerican Association of Museums .Earthplace houses a large collection of rescued wildlife that are exhibited as species ambassadors, including
bald eagles ,hawk s,turkey vultures , ablack vulture , akestrel , several types ofowl s, ablack rat snake , andbig brown bat s. Several domestic animals are used in public programs, including rabbits,ferret s,guinea pig s, aBurmese python andMadagascar hissing cockroach es.Earthplace maintains a 62-
acre (24.8 ha) sanctuary, which is the largest open-space area in Westport. Trails cross areas of wetlands, ponds, streams, hardwood forests and meadows. Sightings ofrabbit s,chipmunk s,deer ,box turtle s,wild turkey s,mink ,bullfrog s, wood frogs and many birds are regularly made on the trails.The Native Plants Courtyard was designed in 1960 by landscape architect Eloise Ray to highlight plants native to southwestern Connecticut. Species include
bloodroot ,trillium ,jack-in-the-pulpit ,wild ginger ,Solomon's seal , yellowlady's slipper andprickly pear cactus .The Bird and Butterfly Garden was created in 1985 and has been accredited by the
National Wildlife Federation as a certifiedBackyard Wildlife Habitat that is designed to provide food, shelter, water and nesting sites for wildlife. Birds seen includehummingbirds ,American goldfinch es,cedar waxwing s, Robins, and cardinals. Visiting butterflies include monarchs,Eastern tiger swallowtail s,black swallowtail s, skippers, and painted ladies.The Mary Eason Swett Wildlife Rehabilitation program rescues hundred of local animals each year, with the goal of releasing each animal back into the wild.
Harbor Watch / River Watch is a
water quality monitoring program supported by Earthplace. Staff scientists work with volunteers to take water samples from area streams and rivers, which are then analyzed in the center's state-certified laboratory. Harbor Watch also monitors the population of juvenilebenthic fish in the Norwalk harbor.The Earthplace Preschool has been operating on the grounds since 1967 and is licensed by the state of Connecticut.
A large bronze statue of a mother bear and two cubs by noted animal sculptor
Anna Hyatt Huntington is placed near the entrance to two major trails.External links
* [http://www.earthplace.org Official site]
* [http://www.westportct.gov Westport, CT]
*
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