‘My kids have learned so much’: HCT Explorer program makes nature come alive for youngsters
On the lookout at the herring run with a Harwich conservation Trust (HCT) Preschool Explorer Adventure program.
Small fry in rubber boots learned about herring, ospreys and the wondrous world of nature with incomparable Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) naturalist Andrea Higgins on a recent Preschool Explorer Adventure at Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands. The cuteness quotient was off the charts!
The group met at the town’s beautiful herring run, and Harwich Natural Resources Director Stephanie Ridenour was on hand to tell the kids all about the fascinating journey of these amazing fish. The can-do Explorers gathered along the run and helped Ridenour count herring, as they courageously battled the current on their way to spawn in the ponds.
When Higgins is at the helm of a program, joyful discovery is guaranteed, both for the attentive youngsters and their caregivers. As we walked along the nearby trail, she pointed out animal scat, deer tracks and signs that predators had unearthed turtle eggs. The soundtrack was provided by the call of an osprey, seemingly delighted that tasty herring had returned to the menu.
Learning for all ages
Thanks to generous community support, HCT’s early childhood family programs, these adventures are free. And for many folks with young children, the chance to be outdoors and learn together with Higgins is a cherished tradition.
Harwich Natural Resources Director Stephanie Ridenour (left) and Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) naturalist Andrea Higgins read a story to participants in a Preschool Explorer Adventure program at Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands.
“My kids just absolutely adore being here,” said Cailynn Blanco, mom of two Explorers. “We look forward to it every week and Andrea brings such joy. My kids have learned so much and so have I.”
When Blanco talks about nature with her friends, they sometimes ask if she’s a scientist or a naturalist. “I tell them no–I learned it all on a toddler’s hike!” she laughed.
Along our hike, Higgins stopped to read books and the kids decorated fishes that were then attached to their coats with clothes pins. Suddenly, we were transformed into striped bass, trout and other denizens of the watery world. Of course, the next logical step was to wiggle our gills and tails and swim up a hill!
Kindling wonder
When we got back to the herring run, Higgins broke out binoculars that were generously donated by Wild Birds Unlimited in South Yarmouth in support of HCT family programs. This was a wicked exciting turn of events for the Explorers and they marched to and fro, seeing the natural world in a whole new way.
Donated binoculars from Wild Birds Unlimited were a big hit with the Explorers.
As the program wound down, Explorers hugged Higgins and merrily headed home. “I really love that these natural spaces are preserved, and they can keep coming back to them for their whole lives,” said Higgins. “They have these core memories with their moms and dads and caregivers.”
And what does wonderful Andrea Higgins draw from these joyful outings? “It’s so meaningful and it makes my heart happy,” she said. “We get to touch lives at the time when wonder can be kindled.”
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