October Update: A Month of Nature and Community
As the colorful foliage of autumn graces the parks, DMCC has been bustling with activities and initiatives to engage the community with the wonders of nature and sustainability. Here's a recap of what we've been up to this October:Marcus Nack, Environmental Education Manager
1. Trail and Park Cleanup We kicked off the month by showing some love to our beautiful trails and park. Keeping our outdoor spaces clean and inviting is a top priority.
2. PIECES – After School Programs Our after-school programs, known as "PIECES," are in full swing. These programs offer young learners both education and fun.
3. Field Trips and Classroom Visits We've been welcoming eager learners on field trips and classroom visits. If you're interested, you can sign up for these programs via our convenient Google Doc.
4. Batty about Bats Event Our "Batty about Bats" event was a hit, drawing around 25 nature enthusiasts. In addition to learning about these fascinating creatures, we assembled and sold bat boxes. These boxes make perfect homes for our nocturnal friends, and a few are still available.
5. Monarch Butterfly Tagging We had the privilege of tagging and releasing 200 monarch butterflies, contributing to their conservation efforts.
6. Big Holloween Bash Our Big Holloween event was a massive success, with approximately 750 people joining in the festivities. There were hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, and even a costume contest. What a fantastic way to celebrate the season!
7. Nature Center Hours Our nature center is now open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Be sure to call ahead to ensure availability.
8. Bottle Filling Station We're excited to announce that a Delta Dental-funded bottle filling station has arrived at Starr's Cave Nature Center. This installation, aimed at promoting community health and sustainability, will be completed next week.
9. Fall Foliage and Hike-A-Park Events The parks are ablaze with the colors of autumn, providing a stunning backdrop for our Hike-A-Park events. There's one more left for October, and it'll take place at Wilson Lake October 19th at 3:00, and Starr's Cave Park and Preserve on October 26th at 3:00 PM. This event is free and offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the beauty of fall.
10. Program Summary This month, we've been busy with various programs: 10 field trips, 6 in-class programs, 5 public programs, and 11 PIECES after-school programs.
October has been a month of enriching experiences, community engagement, and a strong commitment to preserving the beauty of nature. We look forward to more exciting events and activities in the months to come. Come join us in celebrating the wonders of the natural world!
published Wednesday, October 18, 2023
