ecoEXPLORE is an initiaitive of The North Carolina Arboretum that enables citizen scientists in grades 3-8 to have their observations of plants and animals submitted to iNaturalist.

Our initiative seeks to engage children in Western North Carolina in experiences that encourage them to become active participants of our citizen science community- and participate in hands-on, real world field experiences. Students earn patches, prizes and free passes to the Arboretum to meet scientists and conduct field work when they submit their observations. Organisms can be viewed at one of twelve "EcoEXPLORE" Hotspots located at each Buncombe County Library branch, at the Arboretum, or even in their own backyard!

Visit www.ecoexplore.net to learn more about ecoEXPLORE and to register- then get outside and EXPLORE!