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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1990-05-23, Page 13THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990. PAGE 13. Children explore nature’s wonders at education centre In the eyes of a child Krissy Dilworth and Tyler Bragg take a close look at a nest of tent caterpillars during a walk through the Nature Centre forest. Elementary, Watson Josh Jorritsmadoesacareful and thorough investigation of the plant life at the Nature Centre. Listening to the soothing sound of a river trickling over its rock course; watching as a bird of prey hovers majestically above an open field, or seeing for the first time the purity of a trillium in bloom are experiences that are not something young people today often have the opportunity to enjoy. At the Wawanosh Nature Cen­ tre, located on the Maitland River, a few miles south-west of Belgrave, about 5500 elementary and secon­ dary school students this year will spend time learning and discover­ ing the very best that nature has to offer. Sessions are conducted on school days throughout the year for nine weeks in the fall, seven weeks during the winter, and for nine weeks again in the spring. Pilot projects for the Centre began in the early part of the 1980’s and the 420 acres are now operated and maintained by the Maitland Valley Conservation Au­ thority. Funds are raised by the Maitland Valley Foundation and by charging a user fee of $30 per school plus $1 per students. MVCA employees Jayne Thomp­ son and Esther Buck guide the children through the sessions. Pri­ mary classes usually participate in an introduction to nature through a seasonal “Talk and Walk” series, while older children take part in stream programs. Secondary school students attend mainly in the fall but do occasionally visit during the spring sessions. Special weekend sessions are offered as a service for groups like Cubs and Scouts, senior citizens and 4H clubs arid the Beavers hold their annual Jamboree there as well. But, Ms. Thompson explains that with only two employees on staff at the centre, they are limited Photos, stories by Bonnie Gropp in their ability to meet the demand. Students are introduced to the work done by the MVCA, which is to care for the valley around the river by conserving water, protect­ ing wildlife and plantlife, and by placing regulations and restrictions on activities around the river. During their visit, students learn why our water must be kept clean, why we need flowers and trees, and how to prevent soil erosion and its effect. Wawanosh Nature Centre like all other areas run by MVCA, is open to the public as well, though the building is closed on weekends. So, on a sunny spring day or a crisp winter one, as the leaves are changing to their autumn hue or as the summer sun drives you out of the hot town, you can find content­ ment on a walk through the scenic valley of the Wawanosh Nature Centre, an area brimming with life. Trust me Jayne Thompson, Conservation Education Technician at the Wawanosh Nature Centre, leads children in a game that makes them look at the forest without using their eyes. In front are, Jason Armstrong, left, and Cody Nichol. How many:! Sarah Seeds, left, and Krissy Dilworth, compare the “worms” (pieces of coloured yarn) they discovered during a game at the Wawanosh Nature Centre. Warning Areas marking where poison ivy can be found are well-marked and off the trail.