Winter is here. For some, that statement exudes doldrums, darkness, and dumb snow. But, at Irvine, WINTER IS HERE!!!
Why should you be as excited for winter as we are?
Winter means animal tracks in the mud and snow. It means tapping maple trees for syrup. It means exploring our trails for the objects hidden by spring, summer, and fall foliage.
How can your child enjoy these nature activities and more?
Your child can join our Junior Naturalists on Saturdays or Sundays, January through May. Junior Naturalists ages 5-9 learn by doing through science, art, writing, and service. For instance, if the days topic is animal shelters, we may start by reading The Mitten by Jan Brett. Then, we’ll bundle up and head outside to look for places animals may hide on our trails. The kids will help build a brush pile for birds to take refuge in while visiting our feeders. Finally, we warm up inside and make a Toad Abode to take home.
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- Winter is a great time to spot elusive creatures!
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- Irvine’s children’s programs offer unique opportunities, like holding a slippery, slimy green frog!
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- A take-home activity about shelters for ages 5-6.
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- A shelter activity for ages 7-9. Kids of all ages explore together, but learn on their level.
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- To encourage exploration and conservation, kids may keeponly natural objects that fit in their journal pocket.
In addition, each child gets their very own Nature Journal to keep. Our naturalists design and add educational activities to the journal each session. At the end of each session, the leader will explain the take home activity and give the children time to write or draw what they saw during their journey that day. If they complete the take home activity, then they will get a star sticker to put in their journal as a small symbol of their accomplishment.
Finally, we try to offer exclusive opportunities to our Jr. Naturalists who attend all the sessions. This season, Jr. Naturalists and their families will be able to join us for our Maple Magic program for free!
Come hang out with a naturalist, learn by doing, and get excited that winter is finally happening again!
