What do you get when you take a perfect autumn day and add 13 kids? A great day to get outside and introduce kids to the wonder and awe of nature!
The weather on October 30 was perfect and the fall colors at Indian Lake County Park were vibrant. About 500 geese and few sandhill cranes were resting in the lake near the shelter. The kids came from Vera Court and the East Madison Neighborhood Centers.
The day started with a scavenger hunt of natural items. The kids spread out into the woods to look for a variety of natural items. Then the kids rotated through a variety of stations.
The first station focused on the Ice Age Trail and what is available on the trail. The second station taught children about mammals of Wisconsin. The third station revealed the benefits of pollinators like bees to the environment. Finally, the fourth and perhaps, the most popular station was the binocular station. Kids were able to learn how to use binoculars and look up close and personal at the geese and sandhill cranes on the lake.
After the stations, the group went on a hike up the hill to see the historic chapel and to take in the overlook. Once again, the children got a chance to use their binoculars and a spotting scope to see the birds at the lake.
The day ended with a campfire and the making of s’mores. Of course. To see more photos of the day, click here.
We can’t wait to do it again next year. If you would like to donate to our work, please donate on paypal. We appreciate your contributions!
This event was sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Dane County Parks, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Friends of Indian Lake County Park, BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin and Color in the Outdoors.