Bear Branch Nature Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Branch Nature Center |
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| Type | Nature Center |
| Location | 300 John Owings Road Westminster, Maryland |
| Area | 4,000 sq ft (370 m2) |
| Created | 1993 |
| Operated by | Carroll County, Maryland |
| Hiking trails | 5 miles (8.0 km) |
| Parking | On-site lot |
| Other information | exhibits, live animals, observatory, planetarium |
| Website | ccgovernment.carr.org |
The Bear Branch Nature Center is a fun place to learn about nature in Carroll County, Maryland. It's located close to Westminster. This center is packed with cool things to see and do!
You can explore exhibits that teach you about local plants and animals. There's also an outdoor water play area and a special Discovery Room just for kids. Imagine watching bees in an observation beehive! The center is home to many live animals, like an eagle, hawks, owls, snakes, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and toads. Plus, it has a planetarium and an observatory where you can look at the stars. The Carroll County Recreation & Parks department runs this amazing nature center.
The nature center is right next to the Hashawha Environmental Center. This is a special place where students can stay overnight to learn about the environment. Sixth-grade students from Carroll County Public Schools often visit for their Outdoor School program.
Together, these two centers cover about 320 acres of land. They have more than five miles of trails perfect for hiking or exploring. You can also find a restored 19th-century cabin, a beautiful lake, a pond, and access to Bear Branch and Big Pipe Creek.
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Exploring Bear Branch Nature Center
The Bear Branch Nature Center is a great spot for families and students. It offers many ways to connect with the natural world.
What Can You See and Do?
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the plants and animals that live in Maryland.
- Live Animals: Meet various creatures up close, from birds of prey to reptiles and amphibians.
- Discovery Room: A special area designed for younger children to explore and play.
- Observation Beehive: Watch busy bees at work inside their hive.
- Planetarium and Observatory: Discover the wonders of space and look through telescopes.
- Outdoor Play Area: Enjoy a unique water feature and play space outside.
History of the Land
The land where Bear Branch Nature Center and Hashawha Environmental Center are located was bought by Carroll County in 1972. The name "Hashawha" comes from a Native American word. It means "old fields." This name reminds us of the land's past.
Hashawha Tower
The Hashawha Tower is a tall windmill at the Hashawha Environmental Center. It stands about 10 meters (35 feet) high. This windmill was given to Hashawha by a generous donation. It's an interesting landmark to see when you visit the center.
Images for kids
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Butterflies on display in the Exhibit Hall
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Bear exhibit
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Lake Hashawha
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View of the caretaker's residence
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View of the Exhibit Hall
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Bee hives on the property
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