Monday, June 1, 2009 9:04 PM CDT
Douglas-Hart exercises young brains with summer programs
By DAWN SCHABBING, Features Writer
dschabbing@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — Sixty-five acres of woodlands, prairie and wetlands aren’t far away for youngsters wanting to exercise their brains this summer.
Jennifer Tariq, new education director at Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon, said the site offers Illinois’ three major habitats in a living classroom setting.
Tariq has 11 years of related experience, including that in nature centers and museums in the Chicago area, but she grew up in Effingham County.
She’s happy to bring some new programs and activities to East Central Illinois.
“I’m all about exploring, being hands-on, and indulging the curiosity of kids by connecting them with the outdoors,” Tariq said.
The area offers families a quiet place to retreat on its grounds and enjoy its nearly 3 miles of walking paths. Trails and footpaths for families and their leashed pets are open daily during daylight hours.
A picnic area is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Two new wagons may be borrowed from the facility to pull toddlers in around the trails.
The visitor center is also open year-round, seven days a week, and offers exhibits and displays for children of all ages. It offers a library with videos, magazines, movies and books that can be checked out or enjoyed at the library.
There is no general admission charge, but donations are appreciated.
Tariq said a grant offered by the Bronx Zoo and the World Wildlife Conservation Society is helping Douglas-Hart offer a two-day workshop called “Sparks,” a tool intended to help parents and grandparents give youngsters some exposure to outdoors and wildlife.
“It teaches the parents and grandparents what kind of learning styles the kids have. Every kid has a strength, or more than one strength, and this workshop helps determine what that is for their child,” Tariq said.
The grant pays the adult participant to be in the program. The adult participant will earn a stipend of $50 through this grant.
The two-day workshop will be offered at Douglas-Hart from 3 to 8 p.m. July 23 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25.
“We offer interpretive training, and it isn’t so much about lecture and talk; it is more about hands-on learning,” Tariq said.
Topics might range to include birds, insects, ponds, rocks or trees. Tariq said getting children outdoors to learn is a good thing.
“Studies show that for kids with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), their behavior problems are reduced by being outside,” she said.
This summer, Douglas-Hart has also scheduled nature classes for children age 2 to 14 years.
The 2009 Summer Nature Series includes: Budding Naturalists (2-3 years old); Little Explorers (4-6 years old); Nature Nuts (7-9 years old); and Eco-Adventures (10-14 years old).
Fees vary from $10 to $30 per student for these summer sessions. Parents attend the sessions with the 2- to 3-year-old participants. Older students spend more time at the center.
In addition to the summer programs, Douglas-Hart offers family programs such as night hikes, one called “Ewww, Gross!”, and a session on writing, intended to bring out the creativity of participants.
Douglas-Hart Nature Center opened in the late 1960s. The center has offered educational programs for about 15 years.
The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is staffed each day.
“I’m always willing to try new things and see what happens. We encourage others to visit our Web site and get on our e-mail list. Members can also receive our newsletter for more information,” Tariq said.
“Also, we have volunteer opportunities for teens age 13-18. These kids can help out with the classes we’re offering.”
This fall, the nature center will host a family fun fair.
Look for more about programs and opportunities at the nature center online at dhnature.org; by checking bulletin boards inside the nature center; reading the quarterly newsletter; joining the e-mail list-serve; or by calling the center at 235-4644.
Contact Dawn Schabbing at dschabbing@jg-tc.com.
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