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Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center is a nature center and wildlife sanctuary located at 10 Woodside Lane in Westport, Connecticut.
A new museum exhibit called Natureplace opened in 2006, featuring nature displays and hands-on activities. There are five large wildlife dioramas that depict animals and plants found in various seasons and ecosystems in Connecticut.
Earthplace houses a large collection of rescued wildlife that are exhibited as species ambassadors, including bald eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, a black vulture, kestrel, owls, snakes, and big brown bats. Several types of domestic animals are also used in public programs, including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, a python and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
Earthplace maintains a 62-acre (.25 km²) sanctuary, which is the largest open-space area in Westport. Trails cross areas of wetlands, ponds, streams, hardwood forests and meadows. Wheels In The Woods IV is a Universal Design Nature Trail fully accessible for individuals with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Sightings of rabbits, various species, chipmunk, deer, box turtles, wild turkeys, and mink are regularly made on these trails.
The Native plants Courtyard was designed in 1960 by Eloise Ray, a noted landscape architect. The garden house many plants native to southwestyern Connecticut. Species include: bloodroot, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild ginger, Solomon's seal, yellow lady's slipper and prickly pear cactus.
The Bird and Butterfly Garden was created in 1985 and has been accredited by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat. This garden was designed to provide food, shelter, water and nesting sites for wildlife. Birds seen include hummingbirds, American goldfinches, cedar waxwings, robins, and cardinals. Visiting butterflies include monarchs, Eastern tiger swallowtails, black swallowtails, skippers, and painted ladies.
Programs run by Earthplace include Harbor Watch/River Watch (water quality monitoring and certified laboratory), Nursery School, Summer Camp and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. Earthplace also gives all visitors the opportunity to learn about their connections with nature by exploring hands-on exhibits in Natureplace, the Ecology Resource Room, Animal Hall and Connecticut Birds of Prey area. Animals include: bald eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, a black vulture, kestrel, owls, snakes, toads, and insects.
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