LAKE COUNTY — The children”s nature education program at the Rodman Preserve will be held on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the preserve near Upper Lake.
The program is presented by Lake County Land Trust volunteer and nature education specialist, Elaine Mansell and is free and open to youth ages 7 to 12.
Mansell, who used to lead the Junior Rangers program at Clear Lake State Park, takes youth on a Rodman Explorer adventure. She encourages them to use their senses: the sense of sight will be experienced with eyes alone, binoculars, microscopes, examining animal tracks, scat, holes, trees, slough water, birds, insects and mammals, she said.
Hikers will open their ears to listen to and identify sounds, and Rodman Explorers will use their sense of touch by touching mammal skins, leaves, bark, plants and shells to discover there are many different surfaces and textures in nature.
The purpose of the program is to direct children to be observant, utilizing all of their senses rather than ambling through the woods aimlessly, Mansell said. They will learn and commit to “leaving no trace.”
Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling Mansell at 263-1637. Parents are welcome and can either take a hike on the Rodman Preserve property or stay with their children. For more information about the Lake County Land Trust and for directions to the preserve, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org.
