Above: The Library and Mass DCR are offering monthly nature programs with stories, crafts, and experiments for kids this fall. (image)
Over the summer, Mass DCR (Dept of Conservation & Recreation) held a free series of water-themed programs for children at the Southborough Library.
They’ll be back next week, holding free monthly Nature Story Times with experiments and crafts. These early-afternoon, educational programs are all geared for 2–5 yr olds.
The summertime programs were put on by DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection. Not surprisingly, they focused on teaching kids about the watershed’s role in the water supply and the importance of protecting it for humans and wildlife.
This time around DCR’s promoted themes appear to include that, but have expanded to also cover other topics related to wildlife.
Each month this fall, the program will be held on a Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 – 2:15 pm in the Children’s Room. Registration is required for each.
First up, on September 24th, is a story time titled “Tweet Tweet Hoot”:
Enjoy stories that feature bird songs across different habitats and seasons. Experiment with natural materials to make a bird nest collage craft.
Register kids to participate here.
Below is the schedule for additional programs later this fall:
- Nature Story Time: The Noisy Puddle — October 15: An introduction to the noisy, wiggly, and splashy friends who live in a special kind of puddle, called a vernal pool. Followed by a simple water experiment and a pond collage craft using colorful papers and natural materials.
- Nature Story Time: Who’s Been Here? — November 19: Have you seen any wildlife lately? Let’s find out what animals have been around by looking at the clues they left behind. Listen to stories, be nature detectives, and get creative with a craft.
- Nature Story Time: Water is Everywhere — December 17: Water-themed picture books and hands-on activities introduce different forms and uses of water. Followed by a simple water experiment and a collage craft.
