Photo: Jessica Sahu Teli
It’s a sunny day in October, and a throng of exuberant sixth graders is spread out along the St. Croix River shoreline, gathering water samples, searching for aquatic macroinvertebrates and filling the air with a loud and joyous sound.
Since 2021, Carpenter Nature Center and the South Washington Watershed District have collaborated to provide watershed education for students at South Washington County Schools. Through this program, the kids participate in five hands-on lessons at school and then enjoy a capstone visit to the nature center, where they put their learning into practice.
Research shows that nature-based education promotes creativity and problem solving, improves academic performance, reduces ADHD symptoms, encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and improves social relations and self-discipline. Carpenter Nature Center is one of several local nature centers that offer school and public programming.
Looking for fun, family-friendly nature experiences this fall? Check out one of these nearby destinations:
- Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings and Hudson, Wisconsin
- Belwin Conservancy in Afton
- Dodge Nature Center, Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove
- Sally Manzara Nature Center in Lake Elmo
- Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake
Angie Hong coordinates the East Metro Water Education Program. Find her on social media @mnnature_awesomeness.
