Nature Programs
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Nature Programs Calendar
Growing Up Wild - a Project Wild program
-Programs for Youth Organizations
Animated and enlightening, these nature programs are a great way to experience the City's largest natural area. Come mingle with the wildlife through guided hikes and activities outdoors.
All nature programs will be held at the Rotary Nature Center located in the Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve. Most programs are free, and open to all ages. Please remember to dress appropriately for the scheduled activity.
Shivers &
S'mores! 
Date: Sunday, February 19th
Location: Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve
Time: 2-4pm
Section # 530330-71
Bundle up for a brisk scavenger hunt on the trails then warm up by the fire with a s'morgasbord of sweet reward options. Families and small groups can complete the adventure at their own pace and spend some time relaxing and exploring the Nature Center after the hike. Pre-registration is required - space is limited!
Children's Nature Programs
Young Ones & Companions
Ages: 2.5 - 5
Location: Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve
|
Days |
Dates |
Fee Res/NR |
Time |
Session # |
|
Wed |
1/11, 2/8, 3/14, 4/11, 5/9 |
$20 /$23 |
10:00-11:30A |
510331-23 |
|
Thurs |
1/12, 2/9, 3/15, 4/12, 5/10 |
$20 / $23 |
10:00-11:30A |
510331-24 |
Bring your young nature lover out for a visit to the nature preserve! The program includes a story, short nature hike, snack and an activity for that day’s theme.
Youth Nature Programs
Nature Stewards
Ages: 1st - 5th Grade
Location: Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve
Dates: 3/28, 4/11, 4/25, 5/9
Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Section # 530330-09
Activities include seed collecting, planting of seeds and transplants, removal of weeds and trail maintenance. If weather is inclement and prevents outdoor activities, this program may be cancelled. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
Adult Nature Programs
Growing Up Wild - a Project Wild program
Ages: 18 and over
Location: Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve
Date: Saturday, April 21st
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Section # 520330-24
Growing Up Wild is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them through music & movement, outdoor activities, art projects, literature, math and home connections. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, Growing Up Wild provides an early foundation for developing positive impressions about the natural world and lifelong social and academic skills. The activity guide:
· Is written especially for early childhood educators
· Features 27 field-tested, hands-on, nature based activities in a full-color 11”x17” activity guide.
· Includes outdoor explorations, scientific inquiry, art projects, music and movement, conservation activities, reading and math connections and "Healthy Me" dovetailing with the Let's Move Campaign.
· Involves social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive domains to help foster learning and development in all areas.
· Supports developmentally appropriate practice allowing children to learn at levels that are individually, socially, and culturally appropriate.
· Is correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and the Head Start Domains.
This workshop is free to all those enrolled and includes a free Educator’s Guide. Project Wild materials are provided by Environmental Education Council of Ohio (EECO). [Step Up To Quality certified.]
Program Requests
Year round general nature hikes and nature programs are available upon request at your convenience for any school or community group. Programs are designed to meet your needs for volunteer hours, naturalist and forestry scout badges, and to supplement your curriculum. Contact the naturalists directly to set up a program today! Call the Rotary Nature Center at the Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve at 419-353-0301. We look forward to serving you!
Field Trips & Nature Programs for the Classroom and Beyond
Hands-On Nature! Programs for Youth Organizations
Discovery Kits:
Stop by the Rotary Nature Center, Mondays through Fridays, 8 AM to 5 PM to pick up a Discovery Kit to take with you on your family hike. The kit contains children’s binoculars, field guides, insect nets and exploration guidelines for “treading lightly.”
