April 2006
Out & About: Spring Out Into Nature at Tacoma Nature Center
The skies are clearing, revealing a perfect blue, and we
as spectators begin to reap the rewards of all that winter rain. With
bright flowers and new growth in a hundred shades of green, Nature does
everything short of issuing a hand written invitation asking us to come
out and enjoy a Technicolor world.
Michelle Cardinaux, program director at the Tacoma Nature Center, says
spring is a perfect opportunity for children and their parents to get
out and explore nature. And don’t think you have to pack up the
van and head to Yellowstone either, Cardinaux says. “We have so
much in our own backyards.”
Cardinaux says some parents can be intimidated about getting out in nature,
fearing that they themselves don’t know much about it. She assures
them by saying, “You don’t have to know the names of the native
plants and animals.” The important thing is to just go out and experience
the wonder of it all.
She tells parents to expect that their child’s natural curiosity
will lead to questions, like “Where do dragonflies go in winter?”
but the fun, she says, “is going to the library, or computer to
find the answers together.”
Finding answers and enhancing understanding and, most importantly, appreciation
of the natural world is the mission of Tacoma Nature Center. The 54-acre
preserve is run by Tacoma Metro Parks and situated next to Snake Lake
(named for it’s peculiar shape not the reptile.) Before Snake Lake
became a nature preserve, Native American tribes used it as a resource
for berries, bulbs and tender shoots. The reeds from the wetland were
made into mats as well as wall and floor coverings for their dwellings.
As the city of Tacoma grew, Snake Lake became a popular recreation spot.
In the early 1970’s William Glundberg, director of Metro Parks Tacoma,
recognized the potential for a nature center on its site. The nature center
has been serving the community by offering tours and providing educational
resources for the past two decades. Today, visitors can meander on trails,
the longest one only a mile and a half long, and watch nature undergo
seasonal transformations.
Cardinaux recommends visitors stop inside the educational building to
get a look at some of the things they may encounter on the trails. Visitors
can see a three-toed turtle, look through a microscope, or get face to
face with a garter snake or a fire-bellied newt. The exhibits feature
facts specific to the northwest. For example, did you know that Mount
Rainier contains 25 major glaciers?
After that, she says “Take a walk with your child.
See what they have to say.” Parents can point out young plants or
listen for birds. “Hold up a leaf and you may find evidence a caterpillar
has been chewing on it.” Kids can even adopt salmon spawn for a
dollar and watch it being released back into the wild.
She says whether children are out for a hike or collecting a drop of water
to look at under a microscope, all their senses are engaged. Exploring
the environment is as natural to kids as puddle jumping. She does caution
parents to follow their child’s lead and not force the issue if
a child seems disinterested, but she adds that almost without exception
a child will find something that catches her eye.
When taking a walk through a natural area like Snake Lake, Cardinaux recommends
children sit or stand quietly and really look around. “Be as still
as you can.” She advises. Birds and critters tend to hide if there
is a lot commotion. Take in deep breaths and see the world as it is without
any humans around. Cardinaux would like visitors to know that there is
certain etiquette involved when going out in nature. Respect is a word
she uses most often. Besides, for the budding young naturalist, being
quiet is the best way to get up close.
Cardinaux says any child can become a naturalist, and recommends children
start by keeping a nature journal. Even young children can draw a flower
or put in a leaf rubbing. Visiting one special spot at different times
of the year, with their nature journals, can show children the rhythmic
beauty of nature.
In the winter months especially, Cardinaux says kids are “staying
inside with their video games and TVs.” Animals are not the only
ones who tend to hibernate.
Cardinaux, and the rest of the staff at Tacoma Nature Center would like
to see that change. Each month of the year, kids of all ages are invited
to come to hear stories based on a current theme or join a class that
includes hands on activities, nature walks and crafts. Children ages 3
to 6 can enroll in a “Nature Alphabet” class and those a little
older can take part in “Crafty Critters.” Cardinaux says homeschoolers
are quick to take advantage of the variety of classes offered. (Check
the monthly Puget Sound Parent calendar for classes each month.)
And when it comes to recognizing the importance of taking care of the
environment, you could say every day is Earth Day at the Tacoma Nature
Center.
To mark the world wide Earth Day on April 22, the center will be open
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To celebrate, families can come and participate
in games, activities and crafts. This one-day event is open to all ages
and is free. As always though, donations are appreciated to help support
the educational programs.
After children have been in direct contact with nature, they seem to have
a sense of wonder that can’t be replaced with a video or even a
book. Cardinaux hopes that this sense of wonder will be a motivator for
life long learning and appreciation. She says if children learn from the
Center that nature is a “special place,” she feels she has
done her job.
The Nature Center is located at 1919 S. Tyler St. in Tacoma. For more information, call 253-591-6439.
Karen Irwin is a University Place writer and mother of four.
©2006
Northwest Parent Media
All rights reserved
Web design by Intentional Publishing & Design