What would you need if you were going on a big adventure into the oceans? Every year, baby sea turtles hatch on North Carolina beaches and they start out on a great adventure of their own. With their big eyes to see the sights and their strong turtle instincts, they navigate the ocean until it's their time to return to the beach for nesting. Along the way, the moons of the sea help to guide them, but things aren't always what they seem.

North Carolina's freshwater wetlands habitats provide food, shelter, nurseries, and play space for native wildlife species. What happens when a wetland becomes unhealthy? How can we tell its unhealthy? Participants become Habitat Fixer-Uppers by taking action to diagnose and clean up wetland habitat while meeting some of the animal species that call the freshwater wetlands home and leaning how wetlands are important to us too.

Participants make Eric Carle's A House for Hermit Crab come to life with costumes, hand motions, and a tinge of acting. After helping hermit crab find his new home, participants meet the real animals from the story. We learn about the interesting characteristics of hermit crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, and sea snails by getting up close and personal with live animals.

Is a turtle's shell its home? Help us answer this age-old question as we examine the lives of North Carolina's land, freshwater, and sea turtles. Learn about turtle behavior, feeding habits, anatomy, and find out what you can do to help protect these fascinating reptiles. Program includes live terrestrial and freshwater turtles.

Come color along with us on a journey through Nature's Coloring Book as we explore all the ways animals use color and pattern to navigate their environment. Then see for yourself how our ambassador animals use their colors and patterns to hide or warn others to stay far away.

Learn how stranded and injured sea turtles are rescued, treated, rehabilitated, and released back into the ocean. Participants explore common turtle injuries and discover how people can help protect sea turtles along the North Carolina coast.

Discover the amazing diversity of fish found in North Carolina waters. Learn about unique fish adaptations, survival strategies, habitats, camouflage, and how fish survive in ocean and estuary environments.

Explore the fascinating world of reptiles, including alligators, snakes, and other scaly creatures native to North Carolina. Learn how these animals survive, hunt, protect themselves, and adapt to their environments.

Take a closer look at the mysterious and colorful creatures living below the ocean’s surface, including coral reef life, invertebrates, and other lesser-known marine animals that help keep ocean ecosystems healthy.

Examine the lives of North Carolina’s land, freshwater, and sea turtles. Learn about turtle anatomy, feeding habits, behavior, and conservation efforts. This program may include live turtles.

Discover the importance of wetlands and marshes to coastal ecosystems. Learn about the plants and animals that depend on wetlands and why these habitats are essential for water quality, storm protection, and wildlife survival.