Kids Learn Observation Skills in Huntley Meadows Park Young Naturalist Program

Kids interested in nature and wildlife can learn more about their favorite subjects, right in their own backyard.

Huntley Meadows Park will kick off its winter Young Naturalist classes next week. This five-class series will be led by Park Programmer Brooke LaPorta. Throughout the series, students will work on their own naturalist's journal, where they weill sketch wildlife and document scientific observations.

The class is built for students age 9 to 12, who will learn about the diverse ecosystem of Huntley Meadows Park while improving their observation and interaction skills. Students will spend a half hour in the indoor classroom before heading out for an hour-long outdoor excursion during each class.

Classes will be held on Mondays starting Feb. 11 and will run from 3 to 4:40 p.m. The fee is $84 for Fairfax County residents and $99 for students visiting from elsewhere. Students should dress for the weather. Registration is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes, program code #3401702501. For more information, call 703-768-2525.