The Family
Naturalist Program at Fern Hollow Nature Center encourages kids and
parents to explore the rich natural wonders of our parks and green
spaces together. The program helps the whole family enjoy the
outdoors and better under-stand the plants, animals, and ecosystems
encountered in everyday life.
Families will receive themed backpacks that are full of hands on
activities and equipment for exploring with plants and animals.
Following a series of self-guided modules, families will be asked to
keep a nature journal of their experiences and
share these entries with the community through FHNC’s
website. Activities will also focus on ways citizens can protect
and preserve our area’s environment.
In each backpack are several different activities based on the
particular theme. Activities are geared from the beginner to the
more advanced nature lover. The activity levels are:
•Discoverer-
(geared for children five and up) This is an activity level for
beginners who are just starting to explore nature. These
activities will give you a chance to get to know some of the equipment
in the module and some of the basics facts about the module topic you
are working on. Generally, these types of activities
can be easily done in your own backyard with little planning.
•Explorer-
(geared for children seven and up) is an activity level for
nature lovers, who know more than just the basics and are up for
a little more of a challenge. Activities in this level may
require a little travel to area parks and watersheds.
•Adventurer- (geared for children ten and up) is for
those that want to take it to the next level. Activities may
involve reading an article pertaining to your topic and then
applying that information to your plan for making observations in the
field or you may be asked to record your data as part of a bigger
research project that can help others.
Participants in the Family Naturalist Program will hone their skills in
calling owls, catching insects, wading into streams, and much
more. They will also test their knowledge and learn about
the importance of wetlands, animal signs in the wild,
and what it’s like to be a park naturalist.
Families that participate in the program will have the opportunity to
meet with the Park Naturalist one Saturday a month or by appointment.
Incentives are available for different levels of participation.
Family Naturalist certificates and special awards are given for
completing all modules.
PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM
To participate in the program you must be a current member of
Fern Hollow Nature Center. Yearly memberships at the Nature
Center begin at $40 and fund environmental education programs and
events.
Participants must work in teams composed of at least one adult and one child to complete the requirements of each modules.
REGISTRATION
Modules are available on loan for a one week period with an option
to renew if the module is available. A $50 deposit is required
for each module, the deposit will be returned after the
module has been inventoried and all equipment
is checked.
To sign up call the Nature Center at 412-741-6136 or email fhnc@verizon.net
