State parks may be faced with deep budget cuts, but at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the rangers are busy training the next generation of rangers and nature lovers. Every day except Wednesday, children ages 7 through 12 take part in a free hour-long nature workshop given by the park’s staff. The program includes an interactive lecture on a specific wildlife topic and a chance to explore the park and find examples of that wildlife.
“The most important part is for them to learn to value nature,” says Ranger Kevin Williams. He encourages them to get a little dirty and have an adventure, but to do so knowing what they are looking at, whether it is an animal, a plant, or a rock. It’s a chance to have fun learning, but most of all, it’s a chance to teach the next generation how important these parks really are. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
