One of my coworkers told me today that her 11 year old son recently
expressed interest in biology, especially birds. She would like to
encourage her children (she also has a 9 year old) in outdoor
activities, and asked me for suggestions. The family lives in the Anne
Arundel part of Laurel. I thought of a few things, but need more
suggestions. Here is what I thought of and mentioned to her:
1) The MOS youth birding backpack program. Who is doing this for
AA county?
2) The Youth MOS in general. But as far as I know the active
members are all on the Eastern Shore - is that true, or am I just
clueless? Does YMOS do anything for total beginners? The YMOS kids I've
seen and heard about were pretty hard core birders.
3) The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (aka herp atlas) - OK,
it's not birds, but it's nature. I know what Howard County is doing, and
Laurel is close enough to involve these kids in Howard Co activities.
But there is also an opportunity for the AA county coordinator to follow
up here.
4) The Howard County Dragonfly Count on June 5. Again, not birds,
but most of the count participants are also birders so there would be
opportunity to observe birds while counting dragonflies. I'll have to
find out if the kids would be interested; if so, it's easy for me to
involve them since I'm the coordinator.
I know there are several butterfly counts in the area during July - that
might be a possibility. Anybody have details on these counts?
Does the Russett community have bird programs or nature walks for families?
Any ideas would be welcome.
June
--
June Tveekrem
Columbia, Maryland
tweekiebird|AT|southernspreadwing.com
http://SouthernSpreadwing.com |