“Fishing” is a favorite activity of the Knee-high Naturalists.
By Joan Young, Contributing Writer
Oceana Conservation District has been quietly offering structured opportunities for children to explore the outdoors for the past five years. There are a number of types of events which are provided including day camps, school field trips, workshops, and citizen science programs such as stream monitoring.
I recently “stumbled” across one of the regular venues for these events at Doolittle Park near Gales Pond at the corner of 112th Avenue and East Filmore Road. For many years after the trails at Doolittle Park were built as a scout project, the park received little use and trails were not maintained. Now, I’m very happy to report that not only are the trails being hiked, but children are discovering the joys and rewards of playing outdoors.
Activities are both self-directed and guided. Oceana Conservation District Educator Kari Wilson, known as “Kiki” to her students, engages Knee-High Naturalists and helps “plant seeds of curiosity and encourages children to lead the inquiry according to their own interests and passions.” Another of the regular programs is called Homeschool in the Woods. This meets on Thursdays from September to June for 90 minutes and is designed for ages 7 and up. One adult must accompany each group of four children. Registration is required, and there is a charge for the sessions although scholarships are available for summer programs and Knee-High Naturalists.
Knee-High Naturalists is designed for younger children. This meets on Fridays for two hours in the fall and spring months. Preschool readiness skills are emphasized. Hikes, stories, exploration, climbing, and art are important parts of this program. Ages three to six are welcome with one accompanying adult per three children required. Again, there is an enrollment fee, but scholarships may be available. Younger and older children may be accommodated as guests for a fee, with prior arrangement.
Kari says, “The shared routine of these activities enables young naturalists to take learning risks and thrive in the culture of trust, kindness and acceptance.”
Guided hikes for school or community groups are also offered for a small fee. These also include an option at Otto Nature Preserve, created in 2019, and located at 3001 16th Ave, Shelby, MI.
Anyone may visit Doolittle Park or Gales Pond for a lovely short hike and/or a picnic without fee. Gales Pond loop trail is about a half mile long. The trails at Doolittle Park offer a little more distance, coming in at about three-quarters of a mile. Both parks now have porta-potties and multiple picnic tables. These are part of the Oceana County Park system. Otto Nature Preserve has two short hike loops and is owned and maintained by the Oceana Conservation District.
Homeschool in the Woods students make wild foraged sumac lemonade.
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