Photo: Jessica Sahu Teli
It’s a sunny fall day, and a throng of exuberant sixth graders is spread out along the St. Croix 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:
- Belwin Conservancy, Afton
- Carpenter Nature Center, Hastings and Hudson, Wisconsin
- Dodge Nature Center and Shepard Farm, Cottage Grove
- Sally Manzara Nature Center, Lake Elmo
- Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Lake
Angie Hong coordinates the East Metro Water Education Program. Find her on social media @mnnature_awesomeness.
