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