Plenty of Fun Fall Programs!

This has been a fabulous year for children in our nature programs, and there is still plenty more fun in store for fall! We have added a brand new "Nature Adventures Camp" for preschoolers from Sept 26-28, there are 3 more months of Family Wetland Walks, and a huge FREE Fall Harvest Celebration on October 1st!

All Magnuson Community Center Nature Programs for children and families are led by nature educator Emily Bishton, with assistant teachers and nature docents, and sponsored by
Magnuson Community Center
7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115

Register in advance for any of these nature programs by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or visiting the community center in person. You can also view a list of nature programs online at
www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm




Jr. Nature Explorers
"Nature Adventures Camp"
For children ages 4-5
Mon 9/26- Wed 9/28 from 9:30am-12:30pm
Pre-registration required
Enjoy a new nature adventure each day, with hands-on exploration activities, gardening, games, and much more! Camp fee includes an official Jr. Nature Explorer bandana. Bring a sack lunch, and an appetite for fresh-out-of-the-garden snacking!
Fee: $90
Camp Director: Emily Bishton
Location: Each day begins in The Brig - Ravenna Room, and the majority of the camp is spent outdoors in surrounding park areas.


Can you find the frog hiding in this log? This and many more nature adventures are waiting for you in our School Field Trip Program!

Designed for children ages 4-9 (pre-K to 3rd grade, this is an exciting addition to the Magnuson Nature Programs schedule. Each field trip theme includes age-appropriate investigation and exploration, plus hands-on stewardship activities. Great for schools, preschools, and more! Register in advance by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or register online at www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

Teachers can choose from three field trip themes, each a 90-minute guided adventure in a different part of the park:

1. “Wetland Discoveries”: learn how the Magnuson Wetlands help restore the natural functions of the Sand Point Peninsula and provides good habitat for plants, animals, amphibians, and other creatures that make their home in the park.

2. “The Birds of Magnuson Park”: learn how the wildlife habitats that have been created in the Magnuson Historic District are providing many species of songbirds and raptors with the food, water, shelter and nesting places they need in order to thrive.

3. “Life in a Garden”: learn about all the ingredients and tiny residents of healthy soil, and how it has been created in the Magnuson Children’s Garden and Community Garden. Participate in growing and harvesting organic food crops, fragrant and colorful herbs, and more.

Field Trip Leader: Emily Bishton, assisted by nature docents and special guests.
Fee: $100 for first 20 children, $5 per additional child
Schedule: Choice of a 10:00am-11:30am field trip, or a 12:30pm-2:00pm field trip on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning or afternoon during the last 2 weeks of September.
For more information or to register, contact Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026.

Fall Family Wetland Walks
Enjoy a guided walk though the wonderful Magnuson wetland trails, where new nature delights seem to pop up each month! Loaner binoculars for children and adults are provided, as well as colorful "punch cards" for all kids.
Walk Leaders; Emily Bishton, nature docents, and special guests
Sept. 10th- "Fall Migration" 10:00-11:00am
Oct. 8th- "Autumn Beauty" 10:00-11:00am
Nov. 12th- "Winter Arrivals" 10:00am-11:00am

Fee: $2/individual or $5/family
Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. All walks begin at the South Wetlands Entrance (off 65th St.)


Fall Harvest Celebration!
FREE Nature Explorers Jamboree and Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday October 1st
11:30am-2:30pm
Sponsored by Magnuson Community Center and the Magnuson Community Garden.

Join in a great big celebration of another great year of Jr. Nature Explorers Camps, Family Nature Explorers Programs, and the 10thAnniversary Celebration of the Magnuson Community Garden! There will be tons of fun for the whole family:

• Scavenger hunts in an orchard maze
• A fruit-tasting tent
• Fresh cider pressing
• Scarecrow-making
• Nature art and fort-making
• Worm bin exploration
  
• Garden tours and "Harvest Parade" led by Nature Explorers and Nature Rangers
• Himawari Project seed collection and presentation
  
• Pumpkin Walk
  
• and more.....
  
• Plus a very special concert by fan-favorite Caspar Babypants, who will lead children and adults in a "nature song sing-along"!

The Magnuson Community Center is seeking docent volunteers who would like to participate in the Nature Programs, and keep them sustainable! There are a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities available:

• Help lead nature education programs for children or families, at weekday or Saturday events.
• Provide "behind-the-scenes" support by helping maintain program supplies or work on new curriculum.
  
• Help steward the beautiful Bird-Friendly Landscape or the fabulous Children's Garden & organic P-Patch food plot.

Or any combination of the above!

FREE training is provided so docents are well-prepared for all the fun, and all ages are welcome. The volunteer opportunities also qualify for service-learning credit at local schools and community colleges.

If you are a King County Master Gardener or a Native Plant Steward, your hours will count towards your volunteer commitment to these organizations too.

Top photo by Kevin Boyd, Long-eared Owl photo by Shari Blevins, Fall Harvest Celebration photo by Andrea Deckwerth. All other photos by Emily Bishton, copyright 2011

Summer camps and nature programs are off to a great start!

This year is full of more fun, hands-on nature education opportunities for children and families than ever before, and many have filled up fast. There's still room for a few more "campers" in our remaining Garden class, Nature Explorers, and Nature Rangers camps, but you'll need to sign up soon to reserve your spot! Scroll down to see the current camp list and registration numbers.

All Magnuson Community Center Nature Programs for children and families are led by nature educator Emily Bishton, with assistant teachers and nature docents, and sponsored by
Magnuson Community Center
7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115

Register in advance for any of these nature programs by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or visiting the community center in person. You can also view the list of nature programs online at
www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm


Can you find the frog hiding in this log? This and many more nature adventures are waiting for you in our School Field Trip Program!

Designed for children ages 4-9 (pre-K to 3rd grade, this is an exciting addition to the Magnuson Nature Programs schedule. Each field trip theme includes age-appropriate investigation and exploration, plus hands-on stewardship activities. Great for schools, preschools, and more! Register in advance by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or register online at www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

Teachers can choose from three field trip themes, each a 90-minute guided adventure in a different part of the park:

1. “Wetland Discoveries”: learn how the Magnuson Wetlands help restore the natural functions of the Sand Point Peninsula and provides good habitat for plants, animals, amphibians, and other creatures that make their home in the park.

2. “The Birds of Magnuson Park”: learn how the wildlife habitats that have been created in the Magnuson Historic District are providing many species of songbirds and raptors with the food, water, shelter and nesting places they need in order to thrive.

3. “Life in a Garden”: learn about all the ingredients and tiny residents of healthy soil, and how it has been created in the Magnuson Children’s Garden and Community Garden. Participate in growing and harvesting organic food crops, fragrant and colorful herbs, and more.

Field Trip Leader: Emily Bishton, assisted by nature docents and special guests.
Fee: $100 for first 20 children, $5 per additional child
Call Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026 for more information or to register.


Summer and Fall Field Trip Schedule:
Choice of a 10:00am-11:30am field trip, or a 12:30pm-2:00pm field trip.
Contact Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026 to find out which dates are still available from this list:

• Every Thursday morning or afternoon during the month of August
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning or afternoon during the last 2 weeks of September
  

SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES
Register in advance by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or register online at www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

Our camp and class fees have remained the same for the 3rd year in a row*! Children will learn about the plants, animals, birds, worms, insects, and frogs that live in Magnuson Park, help grow and harvest organic vegetables, hike in the natural areas of the park, and do stewardship activities. Each day also includes nature crafts, songs, games, and picnics. Camp fee includes an official Jr. Nature Explorer bandana, and each camp has a different theme and activities- you can sign your child up for one or for several!

Jr. Nature Explorers Camps for children ages 4-5
Our 7th year of camps!
Fee: $90

June 20th-23rd "The Wiggly World of Worms" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

July 5th-7th "Roots & Shoots" (Tu-Th from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

July 18th-20th "The World of Water" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm FULL

Aug 1st-3rd "Pollinator Power" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

Aug 8th-10th "Beetles on Parade" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

Aug 15th-17th "Winged Wonders" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

August 22nd-24th "Park Explorers" (M-W from 2:00pm-5:00pm @ Laurelhurst Community Center) Plenty of spots left

Aug 29th-31st "Flowers & Fruits" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

Nature Explorers Camps for children ages 6-7
NEW this year in response to parent input: variable times!

Although these camps have the same overall theme as some of the Jr. camps, they are filled with more advanced nature activities on each of the topics, using microscopes, binoculars, and other science tools. We will also do much more of an in-depth park exploration. See below for additional details

June 27th-29th "The Wiggly World of Worms" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) Explore the worm bin in search of millipedes, springtails, pillbugs, sowbugs, and other worm friends. Have a slug race. Re-bed the entire worm bin and use the "black gold" compost to mulch our vegetable garden! $90 FULL

July 11th-13th "The World of Water" (M-W from 9:30am-1:30pm) Spend 3 full days exploring the Magnuson wetlands and lakeshore. Look for tadpoles, water boatmen and backswimmers in pond water samples we collect, and search the skies and cattails for eagles, red-winged blackbirds, and waterfowl. Collect seeds and starts for wetlands stewardship activities! $120* FULL

Aug 8th-10th "Beetles on Parade" (M-W from 1:30-4:30pm) Hike the grasslands following the trails of ladybugs, soldier beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. Learn to recognize each stage of their life cycles and pot up a beetle-attracting plant to take home. Make your own giant bug! $90 10 spots left

Aug 22nd-24th "Roots, Shoots, Flowers, & Fruits" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) Snack on the bounty of summer harvests in our garden and pick food to donate to local food banks. Make unusual plant crafts and create a brand new feature for the Children's Garden. Help plant our fall garden, and collect seeds to take home for your own! $90 6 spots left

NEW Nature Rangers Camps!
Another NEW option this year in response to parent input: camps for older explorers, variable times, and one with a longer camp day/week! Join us for a brand new approach to our nature camps: a different nature-adventure theme each day, with a wider scope of hands-on science activities, and extensive park exploration to a different area each day. Plus enjoy a few of the favorites that kids have come to know and love over the years, such as fort-building, bug hunts, and snack walks in our p-patch.

June 22nd-24th "Jr. Nature Rangers" for ages 7-8 (Wed-Fri from 1:30pm-4:30pm) $90 TONS OF FUN WAS HAD BY ALL
July 25th-29th "Nature Rangers" for ages 8-9 (Mon-Thurs from 9:30am-1:30pm) Fee: $160* 5 spots left

(* denotes the two new extended-day camps that have a higher fee, reflecting the increase in camp-hours)

Fresh-from-the-Garden class for children ages 6-9 12 spots left
Friday July 22nd from 9:30am-12:30pm

Have fun harvesting organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs, planting additional crops, and preparing a delicious lunch using seasonal ingredients. Each child can invite a guest for the shared, multi-course meal, and will take home recipes and food-growing tips to try in your own garden. Fee: $30


Family Nature Explorers- Summer Nighttime Nature Walks
June 17th- “Moonrise Walk” 8:30-9:30pm
July 15th- “Full Moon Walk” 8:30-9:30pm
Aug 19th- “Twilight Batwalk” 8:30-9:30pm

Fee: $2/individual or $5/family
Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. All walks begin at the South Wetlands Entrance (off 65th St.)

Fall Family Wetland Walks
Sept. 10th- "Fall Migration" 10:00-11:00am
Oct. 8th- "Autumn Beauty" 10:00-11:00am
Nov. 12th- "Winter Arrivals" 10:00am-11:00am

Family Campout- August 5-6
This event at the Magnuson Swimming Beach has been a huge hit for the past 3 years, featuring a hot dog roast and sing-a-long around the campfire, a nighttime bat walk and early morning birdwalk, and more! Last year campers woke up to the sight of a Bald Eagle gliding over the lakeshore, then got to witness the courtship display of a Hummingbird at the edge of the Kite Hill Forest.

The Magnuson Community Center is also seeking volunteers who would like to participate in these programs! If you are interested, please click on the February "Nature Docent Program" posting, which has a full description of all its volunteer opportunities.

Spring and Summer Nature Programs are filling up fast!

This year is full of more fun, hands-on nature education opportunities for children and families than ever before, and they are filling up fast!

All programs are led by nature educator Emily Bishton, with assistant teachers and nature docents, and sponsored by
Magnuson Community Center
7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115

Register in advance for any of these nature programs by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or visiting the community center in person. You can also view the list of nature programs online at
www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm


Can you find the frog hiding in this log? This and many more nature adventures are waiting for you in our School Field Trip Program!

Designed for children ages 4-9 (pre-K to 3rd grade, this is an exciting addition to the Magnuson Nature Programs schedule. Each field trip theme includes age-appropriate investigation and exploration, plus hands-on stewardship activities. Great for schools, preschools, and more! Register in advance by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or register online at www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

Teachers can choose from three field trip themes, each a 90-minute guided adventure in a different part of the park:

1. “Wetland Discoveries”: learn how the Magnuson Wetlands help restore the natural functions of the Sand Point Peninsula and provides good habitat for plants, animals, amphibians, and other creatures that make their home in the park.

2. “The Birds of Magnuson Park”: learn how the wildlife habitats that have been created in the Magnuson Historic District are providing many species of songbirds and raptors with the food, water, shelter and nesting places they need in order to thrive.

3. “Life in a Garden”: learn about all the ingredients and tiny residents of healthy soil, and how it has been created in the Magnuson Children’s Garden and Community Garden. Participate in growing and harvesting organic food crops, fragrant and colorful herbs, and more.

Field Trip Leader: Emily Bishton, assisted by nature docents and special guests.
Fee: $100 for first 20 children, $5 per additional child
Call Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026 for more information or to register.


Summer and Fall Field Trip Schedule:
Choice of a 10:00am-11:30am field trip, or a 12:30pm-2:00pm field trip.
Contact Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026 to find out which dates are still available from this list:

• Every Thursday morning or afternoon during the month of August
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning or afternoon during the last 2 weeks of September
  

SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES
Register in advance by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or register online at www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

Our camp and class fees have remained the same for the 3rd year in a row*, so register now to guarantee your spot! Children will learn about the plants, animals, birds, worms, insects, and frogs that live in Magnuson Park, help grow and harvest organic vegetables, hike in the natural areas of the park, and do stewardship activities. Each day also includes nature crafts, songs, games, and picnics. Camp fee includes an official Jr. Nature Explorer bandana, and each camp has a different theme and activities- sign up for one or several!

Jr. Nature Explorers Camps for children ages 4-5
Our 7th year of camps!
Fee: $90

June 20th-23rd "The Wiggly World of Worms" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

July 5th-7th "Roots & Shoots" (Tu-Th from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

July 18th-20th "The World of Water" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm FULL

Aug 1st-3rd "Pollinator Power" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

Aug 8th-10th "Beetles on Parade" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

Aug 15th-17th "Winged Wonders" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

August 22nd-24th "Park Explorers" (M-W from 2:00pm-5:00pm @ Laurelhurst Community Center) Plenty of spots left

Aug 29th-31st "Flowers & Fruits" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) FULL

Nature Explorers Camps for children ages 6-7
NEW this year in response to parent input: variable times!

Although these camps have the same overall theme as some of the Jr. camps, they are filled with more advanced nature activities on each of the topics, using microscopes, binoculars, and other science tools. We will also do much more of an in-depth park exploration. See below for additional details

June 27th-29th "The Wiggly World of Worms" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) Explore the worm bin in search of millipedes, springtails, pillbugs, sowbugs, and other worm friends. Have a slug race. Re-bed the entire worm bin and use the "black gold" compost to mulch our vegetable garden! $90 FULL

July 11th-13th "The World of Water" (M-W from 9:30am-1:30pm) Spend 3 full days exploring the Magnuson wetlands and lakeshore. Look for tadpoles, water boatmen and backswimmers in pond water samples we collect, and search the skies and cattails for eagles, red-winged blackbirds, and waterfowl. Collect seeds and starts for wetlands stewardship activities! $120* FULL

Aug 8th-10th "Beetles on Parade" (M-W from 1:30-4:30pm) Hike the grasslands following the trails of ladybugs, soldier beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. Learn to recognize each stage of their life cycles and pot up a beetle-attracting plant to take home. Make your own giant bug! $90 10 spots left

Aug 22nd-24th "Roots, Shoots, Flowers, & Fruits" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) Snack on the bounty of summer harvests in our garden and pick food to donate to local food banks. Make unusual plant crafts and create a brand new feature for the Children's Garden. Help plant our fall garden, and collect seeds to take home for your own! $90 6 spots left

NEW Nature Rangers Camps!
Another NEW option this year in response to parent input: camps for older explorers, variable times, and one with a longer camp day/week! Join us for a brand new approach to our nature camps: a different nature-adventure theme each day, with a wider scope of hands-on science activities, and extensive park exploration to a different area each day. Plus enjoy a few of the favorites that kids have come to know and love over the years, such as fort-building, bug hunts, and snack walks in our p-patch.

June 22nd-24th "Jr. Nature Rangers" for ages 7-8 (Wed-Fri from 1:30pm-4:30pm) $90 TONS OF FUN WAS HAD BY ALL
July 25th-29th "Nature Rangers" for ages 8-9 (Mon-Thurs from 9:30am-1:30pm) Fee: $160* 5 spots left

(* denotes the two new extended-day camps that have a higher fee, reflecting the increase in camp-hours)

Fresh-from-the-Garden class for children ages 6-9 12 spots left
Friday July 22nd from 9:30am-12:30pm

Have fun harvesting organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs, planting additional crops, and preparing a delicious lunch using seasonal ingredients. Each child can invite a guest for the shared, multi-course meal, and will take home recipes and food-growing tips to try in your own garden. Fee: $30


Family Nature Explorers- Summer Nighttime Nature Walks
June 17th- “Moonrise Walk” 8:30-9:30pm
July 15th- “Full Moon Walk” 8:30-9:30pm
Aug 19th- “Twilight Batwalk” 8:30-9:30pm

Fee: $2/individual or $5/family
Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. All walks begin at the South Wetlands Entrance (off 65th St.)

Fall Family Wetland Walks
Sept. 10th- "Fall Migration" 10:00-11:00am
Oct. 8th- "Autumn Beauty" 10:00-11:00am
Nov. 12th- "Winter Arrivals" 10:00am-11:00am

Family Campout- August 5-6
This event at the Magnuson Swimming Beach has been a huge hit for the past 3 years, featuring a hot dog roast and sing-a-long around the campfire, a nighttime bat walk and early morning birdwalk, and more! Last year campers woke up to the sight of a Bald Eagle gliding over the lakeshore, then got to witness the courtship display of a Hummingbird at the edge of the Kite Hill Forest.

The Magnuson Community Center is also seeking volunteers who would like to participate in these programs! If you are interested, please click on the February "Nature Docent Program" posting, which has a full description of all its volunteer opportunities.

2011 Spring Nature Programs have been great fun for all!

OUR 2011 SPRING PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN GREAT FUN SO FAR- HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS!

Neighbor Appreciation Day Celebration, and "Bird-friendly Neighborhood" Tour
Our first nature program event of the year on February 12th celebrated our bird "neighbors" here at the park, with a walking tour through the Community Center's Bird-friendly Landscape and nearby Magnuson Historic District areas that are home to native songbirds and raptors. Families also enjoyed getting to examine a variety of bird nests and learn about how to create a bird-friendly landscape in their very own back yard!






Family Nature Explorers-FREE Spring Wetland Walks

April 9th: "Wetland Wake-up"
Our first wetland walk of the year gave a group of 20 the thrill of getting to see hatched frog eggs still inside their jelly-like mass, but close to turning into tadpoles! Plus dragonfly larvae, diving beetles, and much much more. Several flocks of waterfowl were also dabbling, diving, and grazing.

Sat. May 14th: "Tadpoles & Nestlings"
The life in the ponds is growing day by day, with tadpoles and plenty of aquatic insects: diving beetles, daphnia, water boatmen and backswimmers, and wiggly squiggy dragonfly larvae! Come take a guided tour of the Magnuson Wetlands, with hands-on exploration activities for the whole family, and see what discoveries you can make!


"Nature Explorers Adventure Camp"
During spring break, children ages 6-8 enjoyed a new nature adventure each day, with hands-on exploration activities, nature science experiments, gardening, games, and much more! The first day was spent exploring the soil, worm bin, and plants in the Magnuson Community Garden, complete with fresh-out-of-the-garden snacking. Day 2 was spent exploring the wildlife and plant habitats of the Magnuson wetlands, and we explored the Magnuson Historic District to look for its native bird residents on day 3!

Celebrate Urban Nature event a huge success!

The 2nd annual FREE Celebrate Urban Nature event was a day to remember- wow!

Over 500 people came to Magnuson Community Center to celebrate spring and the natural world around us by attending a free nature concert, family-friendly presentations about Bees, Owls, and Marine Mammals, hands-on activities at the "Nature Explorers Lab", birdhouse building, plus nature carnival games, environmental booths, and more....

The grand finale was a joyous nature parade down to the Children's Garden for the re-dedication of the Gray Whale Garden and its brand new mosaic eye!

Everyone had a big hip-hip-hooray and sang Happy Birthday together to the new eye, then the "pirate eye patch" was removed and the new eye unveiled. It was spectacular!

Spring and Summer Nature Programs!

This year is going to be chock-full of even more fun, hands-on nature education opportunities for children and families!

Here's what we have planned: a NEW spring break Nature Adventure camp for children ages 6-8, a NEW Field Trip theme to choose from for ages 4-9, a wide variety of summer Nature Explorers camps for ages 4-5 and ages 6-7, a NEW Nature Rangers camp for ages 8-9, monthly Family Nature Explorers walks from April to November, a NEW Nature Docent Program, a NEW camp for ages 4-5 at Laurelhurst Community Center, and several special events for the whole community! Wow!

All these fun and educational programs are listed below in chronological order. All are led by nature educator Emily Bishton, and sponsored by
Magnuson Community Center
7110 62nd Ave NE, Seattle 98115

Register in advance for any of these nature programs by contacting community center staff at 206-684-7026, or online at
www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

The Magnuson Community Center is also seeking volunteers who would like to participate in these programs! If you are interested, please click on the other February posting, which has a full description of the NEW Nature Docent Program and a list of all its volunteer opportunities.

SPRING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS:
Saturday March 12th: Bird Nest Bounty class from 10am-12noon
For children ages 6 - 10 (parent participation is welcome at no extra charge)

Pre-registration required
Learn where and how native songbirds build their nests each spring in Magnuson Park; build your own beautiful cedar birdhouse so they can nest in your backyard! $15 fee includes supplies.
Instructor: Emily Bishton
Location: Magnuson Community Center/Windermere Room



Family Nature Explorers-FREE Spring Wetland Walks
Join Emily and special guests for the first Wetland Walks of the year. Take a guided tour of the Magnuson Wetlands, with hands-on exploration activities for the whole family. Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. Each month's walk has a different plant and animal theme:
Sat. April 9th from 9am-10am "Wetland Wake-up"! (special early time, before the Celebrate Urban Nature" event begins- see below)
Sat. May 14th from 10am-11am "Tadpoles & Nestlings"
Both walks begin at the South Wetlands Entrance (off 65th St.)


Saturday April 9th: Celebrate Urban Nature!
from 10:30am-2:00pm in the Magnuson Community Center Auditorium and Gym
No registration needed

Join in the fun at our 2nd annual FREE celebration to kick off spring! Celebrate and explore the natural wonders that are all around us in the city. Featuring a concert for tots, nature booths, games, presentations, and more.... the grand finale will be a nature parade down to the Children's Garden for the re-dedication of the Gray Whale Garden and its brand new mosaic eye!




Spring Break: "Nature Explorers Adventure Camp"
For children ages 6-8
Tuesday April 19th - Thursday April 21st from 9:30am-12:30pm
Pre-registration required
Enjoy a new nature adventure each day, with hands-on exploration activities, nature science experiments, gardening, games, and much more! Camp fee includes an official Jr. Nature Explorer bandana. Bring a sack lunch, and an appetite for fresh-out-of-the-garden snacking!
Fee: $90
Camp Director: Emily Bishton
Location: Each day begins in The Brig - Ravenna Room, and the majority of the camp is spent outdoors in surrounding park areas.


Can you find the frog hiding in this log? This and many more nature adventures are waiting for you in our School Field Trip Program!

Designed for children ages 4-9 (pre-K to 3rd grade, this is an exciting addition to the Magnuson Nature Programs schedule. Each field trip theme includes age-appropriate investigation and exploration, plus hands-on stewardship activities. Great for schools, preschools, and more!

Teachers can choose from three field trip themes, each a 90-minute guided adventure in a different part of the park:

1. “Wetland Discoveries”: learn how the Magnuson Wetlands help restore the natural functions of the Sand Point Peninsula and provides good habitat for plants, animals, amphibians, and other creatures that make their home in the park.

2. “The Birds of Magnuson Park”: learn how the wildlife habitats that have been created in the Magnuson Historic District are providing many species of songbirds and raptors with the food, water, shelter and nesting places they need in order to thrive.

3. “Life in a Garden”: learn about all the ingredients and tiny residents of healthy soil, and how it has been created in the Magnuson Children’s Garden and Community Garden. Participate in growing and harvesting organic food crops, fragrant and colorful herbs, and more.

Field Trip Leader: Emily Bishton, accompanied by nature docents and special guests.
Fee: $100 for first 20 children, $5 per additional child
Call Magnuson Community Center at 206-684-7026 for more information or to register.

Spring Field Trip Schedule - available only during the month of May! Choose from 10-11:30 am or 12:30-2pm on any of the following dates:
Tuesdays 5/3- 5/24
Wednesdays 5/4- 5/25
Thursdays 5/5- 5/26

Summer Field Trip Schedule- available only during the month of August!
Thursdays 8/4 - 8/25, choose from 10-11:30 am or 12:30-2pm

Fall Field Trip Schedule- available only during the month of September! Choose from 10-11:30 am or 12:30-2pm on any of the following dates:
Tuesdays 9/20 + 9/27
Wednesdays 9/21 + 9/28
Thursdays 9/22 + 9/29


SUMMER EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Register in advance by contacting Magnuson Community Center staff at 206-684-7026, or register online at www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

Our fees have remained the same for the 3rd year in a row*, so register early to guarantee your spot! Children will learn about the plants, animals, birds, worms, insects, and frogs that live in Magnuson Park, help grow and harvest organic vegetables, hike in the natural areas of the park, and do stewardship activities. Each day also includes nature crafts, songs, games, and picnics. Camp fee includes an official Jr. Nature Explorer bandana, and each camp has a different theme and activities- sign up for one or several!



Fresh-from-the-Garden class
for children ages 6-9
Friday July 22nd from 9:30am-12:30pm

Have fun harvesting organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs, planting additional crops, and preparing a delicious lunch using seasonal ingredients. Each child can invite a guest for the shared, multi-course meal, and will take home recipes and food-growing tips to try in your own garden. Fee: $30


Jr. Nature Explorers Camps
for children ages 4-5
Our 7th year of camps!
Fee: $90

June 20th-23rd "The Wiggly World of Worms" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm)

July 5th-7th "Roots & Shoots" (Tu-Th from 9:30am-12:30pm)

July 18th-20th "The World of Water" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm

Aug 1st-3rd "Pollinator Power" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm)

Aug 8th-10th "Beetles on Parade" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm)

Aug 15th-17th "Winged Wonders" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm)

August 22nd-24th "Park Explorers" (M-W from 2:30pm-5:30pm @ Laurelhurst Community Center)

Aug 29th-31st "Flowers & Fruits" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm)


Nature Explorers Camps
for children ages 6-7
NEW this year in response to parent input: variable times!

June 27th-29th "The Wiggly World of Worms" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) $90

July 11th-13th "The World of Water" (M-W from 9:30am-1:30pm) $120

Aug 8th-10th "Beetles on Parade" (M-W from 1:30-4:30pm) $90

Aug 22nd-24th "Roots, Shoots, Flowers, & Fruits" (M-W from 9:30am-12:30pm) $90


NEW Nature Rangers Camp!
for children ages 8-9

Another NEW option this year in response to parent input: a camp for older explorers, with a longer camp day/week! Join us for a different nature-adventure theme each day, with a wider scope of hands-on science activities and park exploration, plus the favorites that kids have come to know and love over the years, such as fort-building, bug hunts, and snack walks in our p-patch.
July 25th-29th (Mon-Thurs from 9:30am-1:30pm) Fee: $160


(*the two new extended-day camps have a higher fee that reflect the increase in camp-hours)

Family Nature Explorers- Summer Nighttime Nature Walks
June 17th- “Moonrise Walk” 8:30-9:30pm
July 15th- “Full Moon Walk” 8:30-9:30pm
Aug 19th- “Twilight Batwalk” 8:30-9:30pm

Fee: $2/individual or $5/family
Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. All walks begin at the South Wetlands Entrance (off 65th St.)

Family Campout- August 5-6
This event at the Magnuson Swimming Beach has been a huge hit for the past 3 years, featuring a hot dog roast and sing-a-long around the campfire, a nighttime bat walk and early morning birdwalk, and more! Last year campers woke up to the sight of a Bald Eagle gliding over the lakeshore, then got to witness the courtship display of a Hummingbird at the edge of the Kite Hill Forest.


Family Nature Explorers- Fall Wetland Walks
Sept. 10th 10-11am “Marvelous Migration”
Oct 8th 10-11am “Autumn Arrivals”
Nov 12th 10-11am “Wetland Wonderland”

Fee: $2/individual or $5/family
Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. All walks begin at the South Wetlands Entrance (off 65th St.) Register in advance by contacting community center staff at 206-684-7026, or online at
www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/magnuson.htm

FALL AND WINTER SPECIAL EVENTS:
Saturday October 1st from 11am-2pm: FREE! The 2nd annual "Fall Harvest Celebration and Nature Jamboree", co-sponsored by the Magnuson Community Garden, which will be celebrating their 10th Aniversary Year too! Come join the fun at this fabulous event, featuring a family concert, orchard maze and scavenger hunt, pumpkin walk, cider press, nature prizes, scarecrow-making, and more!
"Bird-friendly Wreath & Nest Box" craft-party at Magnuson Community Center, date likely in early or mid-December, will be announced soon.