Experiencing the fall season in a scenic location, taking part in crafts and hands-on learning programs and hiking outdoors are just some of the activities that preschoolers can enjoy as part of the Little Wonders Nature Classes currently being offered by the Green Valleys Watershed Association (GVWA). The program is open to children ages 3 through 5 and their caregivers.
Classes will meet at Welkinweir, GVWA's 224-acre headquarters located at 1368 Prizer Road, Pottstown, in East Nantmeal Township. Children and caregivers may attend one, two or more of the programs, since each session has its own theme. Classes will be held on select Tuesdays from Oct. 6 through Dec. 8, with two time frames to choose from - 10 to 11 a.m. or 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
The programs will be held entirely outdoors, and each will include a theme-based nature walk with age-appropriate activities. "In every program, visuals and demonstrations are used, and classes conclude with a theme-based storybook and a take-home craft," explained environmental educator Dawn White, GVWA education coordinator.
The theme on Oct. 6 will be "Friendly Frogs and Slimy Salamanders." "Participants will learn about frogs and salamanders by exploring the types of habitats they live in and maybe finding a salamander or two," White stated, noting that the craft will be making amphibian magnets. "Children will be provided with clothespins with magnets secured on them and cutouts of a frog and salamander. The children can color the pictures, glue them onto the clothespins and decorate with their amphibian magnets."
For the program on Oct. 13, "Magic Trees," children will discover why trees are important to the environment. "They will pretend to be a tree, and then they will investigate the leaves and bark of many different types of trees while on our walk," White said.
The theme on Oct. 20 will be "Backyard Birding." "The children will learn about the different types of birds that live in our community through listening to bird calls, using identification cards and exploring the meadows and fields in search of birds," White noted.
Remaining Tuesday program dates and their themes will be: Nov. 10, "Animal Hide and Seek"; Nov. 17, "Nature Detectives"; Dec. 1, "Oh Deer!"; and Dec 8, "Animals in Winter."
A fee will be charged for each of the programs. GVWA members will receive a discount. To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of staff members and visitors, spaces are limited for each class, and face coverings are required for all participants over the age of 2 for the duration of the programs.
Registration is required by 5 p.m. the Monday before each program, by contacting White at dwhite@greenvalleys.org or 610-469-8646.
In addition to educational classes, the public is invited to explore Welkinweir, a nature sanctuary and arboretum. It is open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pet owners and their leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, readers may visit http://www.greenvalleys.org.
Leave a Review