Kids get hands-on learning at park

Children will have a lot of opportunities to get outdoors this month as Reed Creek Nature Park offers a multitude of programs to fit a variety of interests.

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The park, off of Furys Ferry Road in Evans, has conducted children's programs for several years, said Education Coordinator Laura Beltran.

"We have been offering these programs since August 2007," she said. "The building opened March 2007, and during that first summer scavenger hunt programs were offered as a start for families to learn about the park."

Among the programs offered at the park this month are Predators! at 4:30 p.m. on June 15; Skulls and Scat at 4:30 p.m. on June 16; Pond Exploration at 10 a.m. on June 17; and All About Birds at 10 a.m. on June 22.

All of these programs are for children ages 5 and up. Nurturing Nature Walks are offered for children ages 3-5 at 10 a.m. on June 24. Cost is $2 per child for nonmembers.

"Many of our childrens programs are equally popular," Beltran said. "The preschool walk is popular because we sing songs, do hand motions, and use our senses to explore a nature topic. Children ages 2-5 really respond well to all that.

"I also think it is a great way for parents of young children to meet each other," she said. "The pond program is always popular because the participants get wet and muddy looking for fun things like bugs, tadpoles and crayfish in our pond and swamp."

All About Frogs, which isn't offered this month, is popular because "almost every child loves frogs," Beltran said.

Another program, Simply Science, is "really fun, because we do different hands-on experiments to explore the scientific method, getting really muddy along the way. Nature Art is popular because many children love crafts."

Annual family membership for Reed Creek Park is $50. Members do not have to pay for most programs, Beltran said. Pre-registration is required for all programs by calling the park office. Payment can be made on the day of the program, although some programs require payment ahead of time.

"This is always listed in our brochure or Web site," Beltran said.

Programs are limited to 20 children, although that varies depending on the program.

"If we are using a lot of equipment, such as creek chemical kits or insect nets, that is usually our cap," Beltran said. "If we don't have too much equipment like on a Nurturing Nature Preschool Walk, then we don't mind a larger group."

Beltran said the park offers so many children's programs because "that is our customer base, being located in Columbia County." The park also conducts adult programs for garden clubs and programs for Girl Scout troops, homeowners associations and other groups. She said those programs should be scheduled separately.

"We also have things like an amphibian club for middle school and high school students," Beltran said.

For more information on the park's program, visit www.reedcreekpark.com or call (706) 210-4027.