Summer Naturalist: Caterpillar Lab Visit and Walk (Ages 10-17)

Does your child love nature and want to expand their identification skills? In this special COVID-adapted program geared toward youth ages 10 and up, participants can join our experts for weekly, small-group outdoor sessions. Though programming will take place outdoors, participants are required to wear a face covering at all times.

During this session, spend time with naturalist Sam Jaffe on a special tour of The Caterpillar Lab exhibit. Hone caterpillar-identification skills and learn some of the different unique adaptations caterpillars take followed by a guided walk in the Gardens to look for caterpillars. Participants will also get an in-depth tour of our Native Butterfly and Moth House and learn more about the caterpillars we raise at the Gardens.

Please note: In an effort to keep the group size small, this is a drop-off program. If your child would be more comfortable with you nearby, please contact Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org before the session to discuss options. If this session is full, please call 207-633-8000 to be added to our waiting list.

Sam Jaffe is a New England based naturalist, photographer, and educator who has been working with native insects since a very early age. Sam grew up in Eastern Massachusetts chasing birds, mucking through ponds, and turning over leaves. For the last ten years he has been photographing caterpillars and organizing programs to promote these special creatures to the public. In 2013 he founded The Caterpillar Lab, a non-profit educational outreach organization in Keene, NH, and he now travels across the country working with museums, nature centers, schools, and individual teachers helping native insects find their place in our everyday lives. When he is not behind the camera or tending his zoo of caterpillars, you can invariably find Sam up to his waist in vegetation.

Bridget VerVaet has been the Education Programs Assistant at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens since 2018, where she can most often be found leading youth groups and families on nature-based education programs. She holds a degree in biology and enjoys sharing in the wonders of natural world with guests to the Gardens of all ages.