NC Science Trail offers hands-on learning at 60 sites

Tuesday was the launch of the NC Science Trail, a year-round digital guidebook to the state’s science adventures. The purpose is to spark science exploration across the state.

Right in the heart of busy west Raleigh are 42 acres is Prairie Ridge Ecostation part of the statewide NC Science Trail.

It’s not just for field research and scientists, says Charles Yelton, director of the regional network of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. He said, "But also opportunities for the public to come out and experience nature hands-on and get involved in this scientific research."

He touts opportunities for students and families to learn how and why researchers do "bird banding" and make traps for small mammals, count butterflies and study worms. They offer summer camps and field trips to family workshops.

A new website guides families to a variety of science adventures. April Smith, executive director of NC Science Trail said, "We have 63 partners across the state, from the coast all the way to the mountains and divided up into four regions."

Partners offer new experiences from the coastal Children’s Museum of Wilmington to Lake James State Park in the mountains.

Smith said, "You can actually look at the website and it will say get outside and you can see what your options are all across the state, finding great locations like this to learn about science."

"It’s so much more than that," said Reid Wilson, secretary of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Wilson says children need to to learn more about science and how it works. He said, "It’s important for their parents to understand it too, but as we know, a lot of times, parents learn things from their kids."

Back at Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Lindsey Martini and her son, Blake, are among the explorers. They chose a purple flower to plant and raise at home.

Another mom said, "It’s fantastic and the kids can just learn and explore just like they’re doing the in the dirt with worms. You know, they’re exploring, learning about nature. It’s absolutely fantastic."

April Smith, the executive director of NC Science Trail says they have plans to add 30 to 50 more partners in addition to more state parks and some museums.