The Nature Discovery Center, located across from the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner will reopen for the 2021 season on June 5. Hours will be Fridays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Nature Discovery is also open by appointment for groups. It was closed for the 2020 season. This 70-year-old nature center started by a 12-year-old, invites adults and children to see a wide variety of collections and objects ranging from collections of insects, rocks and minerals, fossils, fluorescent minerals, shells and sea life, birds’ nests, mounted birds and mammals, and a wide variety of hands-on nature-related activities for adults and children. There are exhibits on invasive plant species, bats, pollinators, fossils, and many others. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, there will be some limitations on certain hands-on activities. Hand sanitizer will be provided. The Museum offers a short woods trail activity for very young children accompanied by an adult. Please bring whatever repellant you use to prevent insect bites, if you choose to do outdoor activities. Admission (cash or check only; no credit cards).
The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner is now open for the season. Located at 18 Highlawn Road, just one mile up Kearsarge Mountain Road, the museum offers self-guided tours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Face masks must be worn inside the museum and reservations for individuals or small groups are appreciated, but not required. Group tours for ten or more are available by reservation. Now in its 29th year of operation, this museum embraces cultural diversity and encourages environmental action based upon respect for nature and a deeper understanding of Native cultures. Its exhibits from various tribes throughout the country feature historical and contemporary craft work and customs. The gift shop offers a unique variety of gifts in all price ranges, including some vintage jewelry. Ranked sixth of the top ten best museums of its kind in the country, the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum also offers many events and workshops. These foster a better understanding of contemporary Native issues and responsible environmental stewardship. “Each year we add new exhibits, and two of the most recent additions include a scenic mural in the Northeast Region and a Cree man’s outfit from the 1800’s in the Plains Region. We’re also in the process of installing QR Codes that share detailed information about the exhibits,” said Andy Bullock, Executive Director of the museum. The museum sits on over 12 acres of meticulous grounds, with many flowering trees and bushes. Visitors are invited enjoy the property by walking the Medicine Woods Trail and learning about native plants that were commonly used for food, medicine and shelter. “The Janeway Arboretum, features 85 species of trees from North America and beyond, and we’ll soon be erecting signs listing the English, Latin and Indigenous names for each tree,” Bullock said. “The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum has much to offer, and we hope folks will come and learn about these Native cultures.” More information about this museum may be found on indianmuseum.org, or by call 456-2600.