MASON CITY – Do your kids enjoy nature, outdoor activities and wildlife? The Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board has just the thing for them to do this summer. The Iowa Junior Naturalist Program was created to promote awareness of local cultural and natural resources with programs aimed toward children. The Iowa Junior Naturalist Program gives children ages 6 -12 the opportunity to attend events and explore the outdoors all while completing requirements to earn a Junior Naturalist Badge!
The Junior Naturalist program is offered every year to encourage children to attend nature themed programs. A Junior Naturalist will need to attend three nature related public programs. They could be conducted by state, county or local agencies, nature centers, or libraries. In addition, aspiring Junior Naturalists must complete two independent activities, such as reading a nature book, fishing, hunting, camping, or backpacking. Upon completion of the requirements, the participants will receive a certificate of achievement and a colorful embroidered Iowa Junior Naturalist patch. Participants can collect all seven styles.
Lime Creek Nature Center routinely offers public programs that would qualify for the Junior Naturalist Badge. Two programs offered this summer are the Bat Survey at Wilkinson Pioneer Park on July 22nd and the Winnebago River Canoe Float on August 24th. Registration is required for the canoe float. This summer promises to have plenty of activities with Lime Creek and other organizations to help get your kids on their way to becoming an Iowa Junior Naturalist. You can pick up a Junior Naturalist Brochure and Record Sheet at the Lime Creek Nature Center or download one from our website at www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us in the public programs section. For more information, please call 641-423-5309. It’s time to get outside, explore new places and learn about plants and animals in your area!
