Increased outdoor activities positively affect children’s mental and physical health. Hands-on environmental education will prepare for the challenges of managing our natural resources and habitats in the future. The need for children to be involved in both outdoor activity and hands-on education is profound. One national study found that children today spend an average of six hours each day in front of the computer and television, but less than four minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play. Another study found that young people could identify 1,000 corporate logos but fewer than 10 plants or animals native to their backyards.

Join us for a day of spring fun! The event is free and open to all.

REGISTER ONLINE

iNaturalist is an app for smartphones to record and organize nature findings, meet other nature enthusiasts, and learn about the natural world. It’s easy and fun! I Learn new plants and animals, become a citizen scientist and share your findings with others! Download from the app store or google play.

What to Bring:

• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
• Light colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants with socks (to tuck pants into) — great tick barrier
• Work gloves
• Insect repellent
• Lunch and water bottle (we’ll provide snacks and beverages)
• Bring your smart phone! Visit: inaturalist.org to find out how to download and install the (free) app.Please install, set up an account and become familiar with the software, before arriving. (see attached “Intro to iNaturalist material for tutorials and guides)

NOTE: Please leave dogs at home for this event.