Message from the Board

Getting into Nature

Zoe Jorgensen

Spring is on its way,  and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors with the family.  There are many ways to get children actively involved scientifically with nature.  The simplest way to become engaged is through the process of observation.  A simple scavenger hunt or a camera safari creates opportunities for children to analyze and verbalize about the world around them.  Bird watching is a great way to observe and make notes of animals in their natural habitats.  The Friends of Camas website has a list of birds to watch for in the area. http://www.friendsofcamas.org/birding/

                Categorizing is another important scientific skill that can be a lot of fun for kids.  Make a collection of leaves, rocks, or bugs and then group them according to various attributes.  The attributes can be as simple as size or color for the younger child, or more complicated like shape and types of leaves.  

Refuge Manager's Notes

Brian Wehausen, 

Camas National Wildlife Refuge