Sponsored by Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
By Deanna Erickson
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Superior is offering the River Rovers Nature Playgroup for children ages 3-7 starting Thursday, June 25, 2015 and running every Thursday until August 27th. The playgroup will meet at Billings Park in Superior (at the end of North 21st Street) from 9:30 am – 12pm, for a fun-filled nature-themed morning.
Parents or guardians should be in attendance with their children for the duration of the program. No preregistration is necessary, just show up and enjoy! Attendance is free and snacks are provided. Nature activities, crafts, games and stories will be conducted by Lake Superior NERR staff. For more information on River Rovers Nature Playgroup call the Lake Superior NERR at (715) 392-3141.
Why the nature theme? Research shows that nature play offers many benefits to young children. One study conducted in Sweden over a year compared motor skill development with children whose preschool spent two hours a day in the natural outdoors vs. traditional playground playtime. By the end of the year the students that had nature as a playground outperformed their playground peers. Others studies have shown that when children are exposed to the outdoors at an early age, their brain development increased for problem solving and creative thinking as well as increasing chances of becoming life-long outdoor enthusiasts.
Please note that the northwest side of Billings Park is currently under construction, so the southwest side is where River Rovers will meet. From N 21st Street turn left onto Billings Park Dr. and follow until you reach a smaller parking lot on the right hand side. Park and follow the signs posted to show where the registration table is located. Look for the signs.
The Lake Superior NERR is one of four research centers located at UW-Superior.
Deanna Erickson is the Education Coordinator of the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, and can be reached at (715) 392-3141, or at deanna.erickson@ces.uwex.edu
Reporters, photographers and videographers are welcome to cover this event.
