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Kids Learn Observation Skills In Young Naturalist Series

Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, Virginia’s Hybla Valley is home to a wide array of wildlife. White-tailed deer move like ghosts through the forest. Beavers build dams throughout the freshwater wetland. Red foxes and coyotes prowl the park at night. And over 200 species of birds have been documented there. In Huntley’s new Young Naturalist Science series, students will learn about this diverse ecosystem while improving their observation and interaction skills.

The five-class series meets on Mondays starting February 11, 2013. Ms. Brooke LaPorta, a programmer at the park, will lead the classes. Throughout the series, students, age 9 to 12, will work on their own naturalist’s journal, in which they will document scientific observations, sketch wildlife, and display nature photos.

Students can look forward to spending a half hour in the indoor classroom before heading out for an hour-long outdoor excursion during every class. Among the things they will study are animals in winter and how nature is preparing for spring.

Classes run from 3 to 4:40 p.m. The fee is $84 for Fairfax County residents and $99 for students visiting from elsewhere. Students should dress for the weather. Registration is available via Parktakes Online. For more information, call 703-768-2525.

Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, Va. More information about the park is available on the web site.