Families for Wildlife – NCWF Kids in Nature events foster next generation of environmental stewards
Foster the next generation of environmental stewards by taking your child to an upcoming Kids in Nature Day!
When I was a child, the outdoors represented unlimited opportunity. A chance to break free and let my creativity run wild. We are all born with a natural curiosity that is readily satisfied through unencumbered outdoor experiences in concert with nature-based learning and education. I was fortunate to have access to nature during my formative years and have parents and teachers that kept the door open. Had the door been closed there is no way I would be working today to conserve wildlife and habitat. Each time we take a child outdoors we are helping them develop their own genuine appreciation and love for nature that over time expands into a recognition that these places are worth protecting.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that children are spending significantly less time outdoors than ever before. The nature deficit is depriving children of the physical, emotional, and mental benefits that the outdoors has to offer. It’s never too early (or late) to get your kids in nature and foster the next generation of environmental stewards. Check out the opportunities below!
HAWK (Habitat And Wildlife Keepers) Kids in Nature Day
Saturday, April 15th from 10 AM – 1 PM
Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews, NC
This year’s Kids in Nature Day will keep kids active with nature walks, catch/release fishing, live animals, scavenger hunts, birdhouse building, STEM activities, nature crafts, and many more hands-on nature themed activities! This annual event is brought to you by HAWK, a Community Wildlife Chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the Town of Matthews and NCWF’s Great Outdoors University. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists’ Earth Jam 2023
Saturday, April 15 4 PM – 7 PM
Robbins Park in Cornelius, NC
(NOTE: We are still in need of volunteers to help run this event! If you are interested in helping out, sign up HERE. )
Each year we hold our Earth Day celebration at Robbins Park where participants enjoy free “green” activities including crafts, demonstrations, wildlife habitat improvements, nature walks, plus live bands and more! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
Concord Parks & Recreation Flutter by Earth Day
Friday, April 21st from 3 PM – 5 PM
McGee Park in Concord, NC
Come meet the Concord Wildlife Alliance, a Community Wildlife Chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, at the Concord Parks & Recreation Flutter by Earth Day! All ages are welcome to join us for the Earth Day celebration with arts & crafts, activities, and guest organizations who will share knowledge about our community’s environment, sustainable practices and interesting creatures. Kids and adults alike are invited to participate in this fun and educational fluttering day! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
South Wake Conservationists’ Second Annual Kids in Nature Day
Saturday, May 6th from 1 PM – 4 PM
Lake Benson Park in Garner, NC
(NOTE: We are still in need of volunteers to help run this event! If you are interested in helping out, sign up HERE. )
Kids of all ages are invited to South Wake Conservationists’ second annual Kids in Nature Day! Attended by hundreds of enthusiastic area children and parents last year, Kids in Nature Day 2023 promises to be even bigger and better this year, with over 20 state, county, and municipal agencies and conservation-based non-profit organizations joining us for the event. There will be twenty different activity centers, including live animals, pond exploration, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, and much more! Ranger Rick will be there to greet the kids, there will be fanciful music, and fresh-cooked food will be available onsite. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
– Written by Luke Bennett, NCWF Conservation Coordinator