Nature scavenger hunt set

Participants will learn positive facts about creatures that frighten some people.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Children and adults will have an opportunity this weekend to spend time together in the outdoors and learn about nature, courtesy of the Columbiana County Park District.
The district is playing host to its second annual nature scavenger hunt Sunday at Scenic Vista Park in Center Township, southwest of Lisbon.
The free event is aimed at children ranging in age from 3 to 11.
"I like to see kids coming to the park and being with their parents or guardian," said Tiffany Kaiser, the park district's program director.
"A lot of kids don't get much exposure to creepy-crawly sorts of things," Kaiser added.
The hunt, which last year included about 40 participants, is "educational as well as fun," she said.
How it works
Participants will be given a guide to what they'll be looking for on the hunt, which will take place along a woodland trail at Scenic Vista.
The scavengers will be seeking plastic insects that organizers have placed along the trail.
This year, Kaiser said she's tried to include insects that many children might be afraid of, such as spiders or bees.
Hunting for the plastic creatures will give park officials an opportunity to tell children about the benefits of "scary" bugs.
"I wanted to tell them some positive information," Kaiser explained.
Prizes
After the hunt, all the children will be given prizes that have a nature theme, such as rain gauges or canteens.
The hunt starts at 2 p.m. and will be held rain or shine. All children must be accompanied by an adult. It will take about 1 1/2 hours.
To reach Scenic Vista, take U.S. Route 30 west from Lisbon and turn south onto Wayne Bridge Road. The park is along Wayne Bridge Road, about three miles south of U.S. Route 30.
For more information about other county park district programs, call the district at (330) 424-9078.