43
Children hunt for signs of spring during MetroParks’ program
Interactive MetroParks’ program introduces children to nature
YOUNGSTOWN
Purple flowers pushed through the ground.
Lush green sprouts poked their heads out of the dirt, water from a stream gently flowing nearby.
An owl hooted in the distance, and a nearby woodpecker tapped its beak into a tree.
These were just a few of the signs of spring that a group of about a dozen children spotted during Mill Creek MetroParks’ recent “Children’s Nature Hour: Spring is Near!” program.
“Even though it’s still winter, spring is right around the corner,” said naturalist Marilyn Williams, who led the program.
The event covered everything from changes in the weather to how animals behave differently once spring arrives.
“Animals are out and about more. Some are out of hibernation. You’ll see babies soon,” Williams explained.
She talked, too, about how plant life responds to the new season.
“In the spring time, we start to see all kinds of beautiful flowers. I want you to look out for them when you go for walks,” she told the 3- to 5-year-olds.
The program also included a walk, during which children looked for signs of spring such as flowers, green grass, sprouts, and birds. The day was almost spring-like, with the sun warming an otherwise chilly day.
Brittany Defibaugh of Boardman brought her boyfriend’s son, Sebastian, 2. Sebastian was especially excited to spot wildlife such as ducks and woodpeckers.
“It’s fun,” Defibaugh said. “He’s enjoying seeing everything and being outside.”
Also excited about wildlife was Isaac Freeze, 2, of Youngstown, who was there with his mother, Grace. He eagerly pointed out to his mom a turtle at the Lily Pond before happily skipping ahead on the trail.
“We like to get outside as much as we can, on days like today especially,” said Grace.
Eliza Smith, 3, jumped up and down as she walked next to her mom, Erin, of Poland. Eliza likes “being outside and looking at nature,” her mother said.
To cap off the hour, the group got to meet Olaf, a bunny that lives at the MetroParks Farm. The children clustered around Williams, eager to pet the fluffy creature.
It’s this kind of enthusiasm that Williams hopes to foster, starting at a young age.
“I think it’s so important to introduce children to nature, because you can’t learn to appreciate it if you’re never introduced to it,” she said.