Mill Creek naturalists helps kids 'spring into nature' today

YOUNGSTOWN

A group of children spent part of their spring break “springing” into nature at Mill Creek MetroParks.

Naturalist Marilyn Williams led a group of four today on a search for signs of the season during the MetroParks’ “Spring into Nature!” event.

A light drizzle didn’t stop them from doing a scavenger hunt during a hike around the Lily Pond. The kids checked items such as puddles, flower buds, turtles and new sprouts off the list of things they had to find.

Elsa Pfrenger, 9, was especially excited to see some ducks in the pond.

“I like all the animals,” she said of why she likes to be outdoors.

An appreciation for the outdoors is what Williams hoped to instill in the kids.

“Nature has a lot to offer,” she said, pausing during a walk on the trails that circle the Lily Pond. “I want them to get out and enjoy nature – and appreciate it.”

Read more about the excursion in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com