Firelands Audubon Society's
Kids Nature Club
What? Firelands Audubon is proud to announce our new Jr. Audubon Kids Nature Club, a once a month adventure to explore our local nature areas to learn about birds and so much more.
Who? This monthly adventure is designed for children, ages 8-12
Our Leader:
Amy Didion is the Vice President and Education Coordinator of Firelands Audubon. She is an avid birder and nature lover and has also been a teacher with Margaretta Local Schools for the past twenty years. Her passion for birds and nature is contagious, and she enjoys sharing this love with her students and all those around her. As she does in the classroom, she’s hoping to inspire our area kids to love nature, and to learn to respect and protect their own local environment through active involvement. Amy will also have assistance from other members of FAS, who are skilled and knowledgeable nature-lovers, and will incorporate and welcome guest speakers and community involvement.
For more information email Amy
Where? Erie Metroparks in Huron, Ohio, with most meetings taking place at the Enchanted Cottage at Stockdale Arboretum or Osborn Metropark.
When? The Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Why? Now more than ever, it is important to get kids outside to appreciate nature through education and meaningful conservation projects. They are our future!
** Kids Nature Club Participation is free but registration and transportation are required.
** Register early: there are a limited number of spaces for each of the monthly activities.
** A reminder and update email will be sent before each Kids Nature Club Meeting. They will take place Rain or Shine. Please always dress for the weather. Although we will have shelter for each meeting if needed, we will be going outside every month: cold or hot; rain or snow!
**Parents are welcome to join the group activities, or children can be dropped off and picked up.
2020 Kids Nature Club Meetings:
Saturday, January 11: Wildlife and Waffles 9:00-11:00 The Enchanted Cottage
Our group will kick off the new year by focusing on our Ohio wildlife and how it survives here in the winter. We’ll take a hike around Eagle Point to explore the area for our first-of-the-year bird species and other signs of life. Then we’ll settle in and have fun making and eating waffles and learning about some of our most fierce wildlife, including Ohio’s winter raptors.
Saturday, February 8: Ducks and Such 9:00-10:30 Castalia Duck Pond in Castalia
We’ll meet at the Castalia Duck Pond in the heart of the winter to explore the waterfowl there. If the winter is harsh and snowy, the Duck Pond will be filled with waterfowl, as the pond is fed by an underground spring and never freezes. After exploring the pond, we will walk over to the Cold Creek Cafe to warm up with some hot chocolate and a snack while we compile our list and share our favorites! Kids can be picked up from the restaurant at 10:30.
*Note the earlier pick-up time in case of extreme cold
Saturday, March 14: Bluebirds of Happiness 9:00-11:00 Frost Center at Osborn Park
Focus this month will be on the beloved Eastern Bluebird, and how this species has been both harmed and helped by humans. Special Guest, Darlene Sillick, will speak to our group and help us get started with our Bluebird Box Monitoring Program. Darlene is a committed conservationist and citizen scientist who has a passion for connecting youth with nature. She has worked passionately for many years with the Ohio Bluebird Society, Columbus Audubon, the Ohio Young Birders Club and so many other organizations. This is sure to be an exciting and motivating session!