Celebrating the Future of Conservation: The Success of Spring 2023 Kids in Nature Day Events

Ranger Rick led the way, and thousands of kids across the state were able to take part in a Kids in Nature Day event hosted or sponsored by an NCWF Chapter. 

One of NCWF’s goals as an organization is to enhance and expand opportunities for youth and adults that foster awareness and appreciation of wildlife and the important role healthy habitat plays in sustaining wildlife and humanity. Kids in nature events take this goal to heart and offer children AND adults the opportunity to personally connect and interact with nature which we hope will inspire future environmental stewards. 

The impact of a Kids in Nature Day event is evident to most. Overlooking a sea of adults and children engaging in fun nature-related activities with committed conservationists from various organizations is a sight to behold and a reminder of why we do what we do. It’s a rare moment of genuine fellowship and camaraderie built on the foundation of developing the next generation of conservationists that will carry on the mission to protect, conserve and restore North Carolina wildlife and habitat.

Enjoy some after event updates and pictures from spring kids in nature day events.

HAWK (Habitat & Wildlife Keepers) Kids in Nature Day. April 15th, 2023

Kids and adults gathered at Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews, NC to enjoy free, family fun and environmental learning. Kids of all ages had a blast at the activities which included nature walks, scavenger hunts, catch and release fishing, nature exhibits and much more! The event was hosted by the HAWK chapter of NCWF in partnership with NCWF’s Great Outdoors University and the Town of Matthews.

Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists’ Earth Jam 2023. April 15th, 2023

The Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists in partnership with the Town of Cornelius Parks and Recreation held an Earth Day celebration at Robbins Park where participants of all ages enjoyed outdoor activities, nature walks, fishing, wildlife crafts, live music and more!

Concord Parks & Recreation Flutter by Earth Day. April 21st, 2023

The Concord Wildlife Alliance shared their knowledge about wildlife and habitat at the Concord Parks & Recreation Flutter by Earth Day! All ages enjoyed the Earth Day celebration with arts, crafts and other activities that highlighted both sustainable practices and interesting creatures.

South Wake Conservationists’ Kids in Nature Day. May 6th, 2023

450 kids had the time of their lives at the South Wake Conservationists’ second annual Kids in Nature Day at Lake Benson Park in Garner! With over 1,200 registrations and 900 actual attendees, the event was bustling with activity at 20 hands-on activity stations. Exhibitors reported that the kids all had fun and showed a great deal of interest and engagement in the various nature-related activities, so we hope they are inspired to bring a fascination and respect for wildlife and habitat forward as they grow older.

– Written by Luke Bennett, NCWF Conservation Coordinator