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Sure Signs of Spring
Two sure signs of spring here today. The first came when I got out of my car this morning and started across the parking lot towards the barn. Birds were chirping away when I heard something that made me smile….
BIRDIE-BIRDIE-BIRDIE, BIRDIE-BIRDIE-BIRDIE
Years ago, I remember my dad telling me that cardinals had two different songs – one for winter and one for summer. The winter one was just a hard, sharp CHIRP that was repeated and repeated and repeated. It always kind of reminded me of someone poking me in the arm reminding me it’s winter. But when spring came, the cardinal’s call turned to something that, to us, sounded like he was calling out “birdie-birdie-birdie, birdie-birdie-birdie”. I don’t always notice right away when the call changes from summer to winter but my ears definitely perk up when I hear that first triple “birdie” call. I know spring is here.
The second sign – I have finished putting the summer camp schedule up on the website! Haven’t got all the individual dates up on the calendar yet but everything is listed on the camp page under the ACTIVITIES header (or just click here) and registrations are open! Pretty soon they’ll be filling the pools!
Don’t forget to get your Maple Syrup Festival tickets! It’s just a few days away now!!
Summer fun
Summer camps started this week and we’ve got kids all OVER the place here all having a BLAST! Our Young Explorers are planting an American Indian “Three Sisters” garden of corn, squash and beans that other campers will tend throughout the summer. The Polliwogs (and their parents) are out searching for animal and insect homes to discover “Who Lives Here” and making some pretty cool nests of their own. We’ll post pictures later in the week!
Cool, cool, cool! Fun new merchandise in the shop! These birdhouses are CUTE and literally SNAP together quick and easy. You can use them indoor for decoration or outdoor as actual birdhouses! Many designs available. We’ve gotten in a bunch of new books, butterfly nets, kids’ games and activities and yes, we still have MAPLE CANDY! We’re on our last little basket though so if you’ve got a hankering….get here and get some!
Calling All Kids!
If you’re wondering what to do with the kids this summer, take a look at the variety of summer camp options offered at the Nature Center! We have programs that run from just an hour or two to four-day daycamps. So many fun things to learn and do! Archaeology, gardening, outdoor skills, crafts, hikes, critters…you name it, they do it! Many camps are nearing their camper limits, so if you’re still on the fence, get your kids signed up today!
ONLINE SIGN-UP SPECIAL! The next three people signing a child (or children) up online for our first session of Young Explorer’s Camp (June 14-17) – for campers entering 1st-3rd grades will receive a free “Critters of Iowa” book! We’ll go by our sign-up notices following publication of this post to decide who those three lucky winners, are so don’t delay! Here’s your link to sign up…YEC Session 1
There are openings in all our camps, but not many! Get your kids signed up TODAY!
Wild Outdoors!
Does the sight of sixteen third and fourth graders with knives make you nervous? Read on to find out why you shouldn’t be!
