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Teach kids, naturally
BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER
 | | Kids who participate in the "Wildlife in Winter" program at the Old Dairy Community Center will take home two field guides after learning how to identify winter trees and birds. In addition participants will dissect an owl pellet (upper right) to discover what owls eat and learn more about birds of prey. Call (540) 839-2419 to register by Dec. 13. (Recorder photos by Charles Garratt) |
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WARM SPRINGS - If Jessica Stephenson can impart a fraction of the enthusiasm she has for nature to the kids who will attend the Wildlife in Winter nature camp, those kids may end up with one of the most valuable gifts they receive this holiday season. And it will be a gift that may last a lifetime.
The Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust is sponsoring the Holiday Nature Camp for children 8-12 on Dec. 27, 28 and 29 at the Old Dairy Community Center in Warm Springs. The program is open to residents as well as those visiting in the area during the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's if registered by Dec. 13.
Trust executive director Sally Johnson said, "Environmental education is one of our missions." She noted Stephenson was hired because she is an experienced environmental educator.
 | | "That looks like a rib," Jessica Stephenson said as she used a wooden tool to dissect an owl pellet. Kids will have the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet, build a bird feeder and a bat box among many other nature activities Dec. 27, 28 and 29 in the "Wildlife in Winter Holiday Nature Camp" at the Old Dairy Community Center. |
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"If people are educated and aware they'll take better care of things," Johnson said. "Having a camp for kids is a good way to get the entire family involved."
Stephenson comes alive like a child discovering new wonders for the first time as she reviews materials for the camp. Her father introduced her to nature, she said, and she's been hooked ever since.
Lifting a small foil wrapped packet from a box, Stephenson opens it to reveal what looks like a dried rodent. "It's an owl pellet," she said. Each participant will have his or her own owl pellet to explore.
Placing the pellet on the table, Stephenson takes a long wooden tool that looks like a giant toothpick and begins to pick apart the pellet. The pellet is discharged from the owl once its prey is consumed, but it isn't what a person might think, she adds.
In a few moments, Stephenson reveals a tiny bone. "That looks like a rib," she says. A few more moments, another bone appears. Using a chart of bones, campers will be able to determine what kind of tiny animal fell prey to the hungry owl.
The pellets are sterilized, Stephenson said, but she said she and the campers will wash their hands when they finish. The owl pellet dissection is only one of many activities planned for the three days.
The program will be adjusted around the weather. Campers should dress appropriately for the weather each day because they will be outside part of the time. "Taking kids outdoors is a great way to get them excited about nature," Stephenson said.
Each camper will be provided two small field guides to use during the camp and take home to continue nature studies. Stephenson will teach campers how to identify trees in winter and the basics of bird identification. She plans to put up some feeders at the Old Dairy to attract plenty of winter birds to identify.
Campers will also build a bird feeder from recycled materials. In addition, each camper will build a bat box from a kit. Both will go home with campers.
Stephenson is a big fan of outdoor and environmental education, she said. She has worked at outdoor education centers teaching a wide range of subjects to students of all ages. She and Johnson plan to expand the program to include more short camps, a week-long camp in the summer and teacher training.
Johnson noted Bath teachers must often travel long distances for continuing education. The Trust, she said, has the money and facilities to sponsor environmental programs locally, benefiting teachers and bringing other teachers to the area.
Saturday, Dec. 29, parents and family members of campers as well as the general public will be invited to participate in the closing evening. Dinner will be provided and the Wildlife Center of Virginia will present a program which will include live raptors, Stephenson said. "It will be the first time most people are this close to such a large bird," she noted.
The Trust is asking for a donation for participants in the evening program. Registration by Dec. 13 is requested.
For more information on the program and to register, contact Stephenson at (540) 839-2419 or by email at jstephenson@homesteadpreserve.com.
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