Knee-High Programs
July 1-August 7, 2008

  
Young Naturalist Programs
Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am (July 2 through August 6, 2008)
     

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 am
(same program each day)
The Knee High Naturalist programs described below are geared for ages 3-6. Parents are required to attend with 3-year-olds or groups of two or more children. Each session will include a healthy snack, hands-on, playful interaction with nature, and much more! Pre-registration is required. No charge unless noted.

Tues. & Thurs. July 22 & 24 Fairy Tales & Elf Houses Spring Lake Park (along M-119 outside of Petoskey)
Let’s build our own elf houses together where we will dine at a stone table set with acorn cups and berries served on a leaf plate, the soft mossy carpet beneath our toes.

Tues. & Thurs. July 29 & 31 Mini Mysteries &
Hidden Friends (Insects)
Spring Lake Park (along M-119 outside of Petoskey)
Come sip our magical shrinking potion so we can hop, crawl, and tiptoe through wild places in search of little things.

Mon. & Thurs. August 4 & 7 Playing with Senses
Spring Lake Park (along M-119 outside of Petoskey)
“Eyes and ears and mouth and nose...” How rich life is because of our wonderful senses. Let’s put them all to good work as we slow down and focus on one at a time.

Tuesday, August 12
10-11 am
Parent-Tot Nature Hikes & Tips for Exploring Nature
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Looking for some hands-on ideas to help young children
connect with their outside world? Conservancy
education staff will be demonstrating several useful
“tricks up your sleeve” ideas to keep you mindful as
you wander outside with your little ones. This is geared toward kids ages 3 and under. Parents are encouraged to stay as the activities will encourage parent/child one-on-one. Lots of hand-outs and activity ideas to take home will be available. A wholesome snack will be provided.  

 
For ages 7-12; Parents Encouraged to Attend! All programs are held at Conservancy nature preserves or local natural areas. Pre-registration is required. No charge unless noted.

Wednesday, July 30
Animal Homes
Susan Creek Nature Preserve (north of Charlevoix)
All creatures need shelter for survival. Look for holes in the ground, nests in trees, galls on plants, and a variety of other animal homes during a scavenger hunt exploring the trails and habitats of the Susan Creek Preserve. Where would you hang out if you were an animal living here?

Wednesday, August 6
Treasure Hunt
McCune Nature Preserve (east of Petoskey)
There’s no pot of gold here, but this preserve is full of natural treasures. Be a nature detective and find some of them by using a map and deciphering clues. Add a sticker to your detective chart for each treasure you find. Can you find them all?

Tips for Program Participation

- Registration is required. Please call 231-347-0991 to sign up.

- Parents are encouraged to attend.

- There is no charge for the summer nature programs. Donations are always welcome.

- Children should wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, appropriate footwear, and bring drinking water.