HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 01-17 Nature center opens interpretive center THE REVIEW \%art /� /999
Nature center opens
interpretive center
Even though the Maplewood Nature accompanying them.
Center is blanketed in squeaky January Of cross-country skiing for the public,
snow,the naturalists are planning classes Megan Gange said, "It's OK with us if
there and decorating the building with they stay on the trails. We don't have
displays. trails for skiing so skiiers will be using
The building,located off of 7th Avenue, snowshoe trails."
has been open since Dec. 15. It is the The following programs will be offered
jumping off place for classes at the nature to groups.They are all winter trail hikes.
center. Exhibits ranging from an ant "Alike and Different:" Similiarities and
farm to animal fetuses to a stuffed differences in tracks, trees and other
screech owl are now part of the nature natural objects. For primary grades,
center discoveries that visitors can make. Kindergarten through third grade.
A few other donations are the records "Winter Tracking:" Concepts of
and information about bird sightings at habitat and predator-prey relationships
the nature center from Art Wild; a will be studied.Children will learn how to
display called "Woodland Objects," read a story in the tracks. For in-
arranged by a Tony Dadey; photographs termediate grades, four through six.
and examples of Japanese nature poetry
by Megan Gange; and a touch and see "Keeping Warm:" Investigation of
table for youngsters. winter climate in terms of temperature,
A grand opening is planned this spring wind and sun. The climate as a
at the Maplewood Nature Center building. microclimate.See how animals cope in a
During the winter months, the nature winter climate.For intermediate grades,
center building will be open from 8:30 four through six.
a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Satur- "Snowshoeing:" Find out how much
days. Classes are now being planned and weight is distributed on foot and on
will be available for groups who make snowshoe by calculating pounds per
appointments two weeks in advance. square inch of area. Discovering when,
Snowshoes are the best way for taking a how, and why snowshoeing evolved. For
trail hike at the nature center. They can intermediate grades four through six.
be borrowed for no charge,provided that "Winter Adaptation of Plants and
a driver's license or credit card is left Animals:"Looking at changes in animal
with one of the naturalists.For those 16 or fur and winter homes for animals. For
under, the snowshoes can be borrowed intermediate grades.
only if an adult is also along. For every Volunteers are needed to help with
four youngsters, there must be an adult displays and to serve as trail guides.