ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is an incentive-based citizen science program for children in grades K-8. Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative pilot program combines science exploration with kid-friendly technology to foster a fun learning environment for children while encouraging them to explore the outdoors and participate in citizen science.

Kids in grades K-8 can become ecoEXPLORERs and share wildlife observations to earn points, badges, and prizes. Columbus Library is a HotSpot, a special area for ecoEXPLORERS to make observations of plants and animals. Earn an extra point when you take a photo here!

We also have ecoEXPLORE backpacks available for checkout. Each backpack includes a trail cam, butterfly net, binoculars, bug collection jar, magnifying glass, and bird whistle.