Only four Junior Naturalist Programs remain at the Idyllwild Nature Center. All will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and cost $3 per child, which includes crafts, hikes and snacks.
This Saturday, July 30, the theme is “Envirothoning.” At four separate learning stations children ages 7 to 11 will identify animal skulls, learn reptile facts, and be trained in the 10 essential survival skills. They will also take a nature hike.
Aug. 6 features “The Nose Knows: When a scent is worth a thousand words.” Children will identify smells and discover the importance of using their five senses.
The Aug. 20 program, “Budding Botanist: Get to the root of it,” will have students experiencing what it’s like to be a plant, the importance of plants to our planet, and identification of plants to like and ones to avoid.
The last Junior Naturalist Program for the summer season is “Seeing is Believing,” on Aug. 27. Special techniques for observing and identifying flora and fauna will be taught and applied.
The Idyllwild Nature Center provides learning opportunities for all ages. For more information about programs, hours, fees and becoming a member of the Friends of San Jacinto Mountain County Parks, call (951) 659-3850 or go online to www.idyllwildnaturecenter.net.
