Elachee's long-planned Nature Pre-School ready to open

GAINESVILLE - Elachee Nature Science Center is cooking up some new ways to feed children’s boundless natural curiosity, including the opening this fall of its long-planned Nature Pre-School. Also coming up is the new Mommy and Me program and, back from last fall, the Elachee Explorers program.

Mommy and Me is for for 2- and 3-year-olds and their parents and starts Wednesday, Aug. 22, and will be held on the second second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. through Dec. 12. Each session will feature hands-on activities like guided nature hikes, animal explorations, arts and crafts, and songs and stories. A $10 fee admits one child and parent to each individual program.

Elachee Explorers offers a number of ways for 4- and 5-year-olds to discover the wonders of Chicopee Woods by visiting the trails, meeting some of the native animals, and crafting nature-based art. Courses are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon in two eight-week sessions from Aug. 21 to Oct. 11 and Oct. 23 to Dec. 20. Families have an option to enroll their children for the two-day program or the one-day program.

The Nature Preschool is a state-licensed program designed to nourish children’s love of nature and sense of discovery. Staff trained in environmental education and early childhood education will guide preschoolers through a hands-on nature-based curriculum to help budding young minds learn about the natural world that surrounds them. Call for more information.

To register for any of the programs or for more information, call 770-535-1976 or visit www.elachee.org.

Link: Elachee Nature Science Center