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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Mill Creek MetroParks Farms set up a touch table where community members had the opportunity to feel different furs, skulls and other items at the first Nature Live! event on Aug. 4.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Jackson and Shane Seddon are pictured playing in play dough on Aug. 4 at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farms Nature Live! event.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Camden Piper got to hold a number of animals at the MetroParks Farms on Aug. 4 during the Nature Live! event.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Bee Keeper Don Kovach showed community members some of his bees at the MetroParks Farms Nature Live! event on Aug. 4.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Camden Piper is pictured holding a turtle at the MetroParks Farms during the first Nature Live! event.
By JESSICA HARKER
The Mill Creek Park hosted their first Nature Live event on Aug. 4 at the MetroParks Farms.
Education Manager Mandy Smith organized the event with the rest of the education team.
“We as a group decided to kind of combine forces and make it a little bit more nature oriented instead of just one animal or group of animals,” Smith said.
She explained that the event was usually a bug or reptile day, but that the parks decided to combine all of the events into one that focused on a wider range of animals.
Smith said that at the event a number of organizations were present to showcase their animals.
Bee keeper Don Kovach, Birds of Flight, representatives from the South Side Butterfly event, and Keith Gisser with Herpes Alive were all present at the event.
“We are just promoting education, conservation of nature, awareness and appreciation,” Smith said. “It’s just a day to come out and enjoy.”
The event featured a number of actives for children of all ages.
Smith said that there was a room dedicated to Pre-K children being able to play and explore different types of animals.
The event also featured a touch table where community members can feel different types of fur and animal skulls.
A number of reptiles were available for children to hold, and there was even a honey tasting table.
“Anyone can come in,” Smith said. “We just want everyone to come and learn something and enjoy the farm.”
As they entered children received an activity card.
Smith said that if they completed five of the eight available activities and mark them on the card they receive a naturalist diploma to take home.
The barns at the MetroParks Farms were also open for community members to explore on their visit.
For more information on upcoming park events, go to www.millcreekmetropark.org.