The Nature Friends program is for 4- or 5-year old children with an adult. Maximum group size if 20 child-adult teams. Programs are outside unless weather does not permit.
Read
The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller or
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Discussion
“Why does a plant make flowers? Where can we find seeds? How do some seeds travel? What does a seed need to grow?”
Activity: Maple Seed Mix-Up
This activity demonstrates the need for sunshine, soil, water, warm weather and a seed to make a plant grow. See Ranger Rick’s Nature Scope Trees are Terrific from National Wildlife Federation for game procedures.
Craft
Planting wildflower seeds to take home:
- Fill small plastic container with fertile soil.
- Pass out a variety of wildflower seeds for each child to plant.
- Water the newly planted seeds.
- Let child take home planter
- Report back on the plants progress at the next program. Snack: Eating seeds, peanuts and sunflower seed snacks
Activity provided by:
Polk County Conservation Board
Lori Foresman-Kirpes
Nature Friends is funded by Polk County Conservation Board, West Des Moines Park and Recreation, and the Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.