A Brief History
The Nature Corner was established in 2012 as a result of a grant awarded to the Wallingford Public Library from the Wallingford Community Women to fund the Wallingford Environmental Literacy Initiative. Two former Wallingford Public Library employees, Mary Heffernon and former Head of Children’s Services, Ruth Gaffey, created the Wallingford Environmental Literacy Initiative (ELI) along with many community partners to inspire the next generation of active environmental citizens.
Now a decade later, the Nature Corner is still connecting children with the nature that lives just outside their doors. Children can learn from live exhibits of local insects, flora, and fauna, as well as from a rotating display of environmental books and the beloved Critter of the Month activity station.
Stop by and discover more about the world beneath your feet!
Check out a backpack for your next family hike!
Each backpack includes trail guides, a bug box, a magnifying glass, binoculars and other goodies perfect for going on a hike. Families are allowed to check out two backpacks at a time for a two week period. The backpacks are kept at the children’s information desk.
What critters can be found in our local ecosystem? The Critter of the Month is a monthly exploration of the living nature around us. Check out books, learn new facts, and color a critter picture to hang on the wall!
Take a walk in nature and see if you can find any local critters. Take a picture and email them to children’s librarian, Josh LeBlanc, to display in the Nature Corner!