Field Studies For Families

Parents, here’s your chance.  Do you wonder what your kids do on their field studies at Bauer Park?  Now you can find out.

Madison first and second grade students are visiting Bauer Park this spring as part of the district’s field study program.  All first grade classes participate in a pond study, in which students probe the ponds in search of creatures that undergo metamorphosis.  So far this year, first graders have scooped up dragonfly nymphs, tadpoles, frogs and toads, along with isopods, turtles and even an American eel.

Second grade classes visit the park twice, first in the fall to study seeds and plant life cycles.  Their spring visit features a new program on orienteering, in which children learn to use a compass to navigate a course.  Along the way, they participate in science, history and language arts activities to discover more about Bauer farm.

Families can experience both classes over the next few weekends.  Mini Orienteering is offered on May 15, 1-3 pm, followed by Pond and Stream Critters on May 21, 1-3 pm.  Skills from both classes will be used on the Ninth Great Snake and Frog Hunt on June 5, 10 am-12 pm.  Herpetologist Chuck Annicelli leads families on the annual quest to find reptiles and amphibians hidden throughout the park.  Contact the Madison Beach & Recreation department for more information and to register.  www.madisonct.org/Bauer. 

Bauer Park was founded in 1990 when Erwin Bauer gave his farm to the town of Madison.  The park encompasses 64.5 acres on both sides of Copse Road, near the intersection with Hunter’s Trail.  There are community gardens, as well as meadows, wetlands and forest to explore.  The park hosts a variety of educational programs and community events, including the annual Harvest Festival in October.