Nuts 4 Nature is back and better than ever!

Nuts 4 Nature is an environmental day camp designed for children ages 8 through 12 years old. The camp will run from Monday, June 20th through Friday, June 24th from 1-4pm each day. The cost of the camp is 12 dollars a day or 50 for the entire week. The camp takes place at Misty Acres, an ecologically diverse property owned, protected, and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. But this year, we have added a fifth day that will take place at the Michigan Legacy Art Park.

Each day will focus on a different environmental theme with an overarching study of how ecosystems are connected and an exploration of our role in the natural world. Day one is "Farm Day" and will feature a farm tour lead by Jessica Alpers, a local MAEAP technician, and a lesson on pollination conducted by NRCS representative Scott Hughey. Students will have the opportunity to explore a working farm while learning about how what's in the dirt and who's on the flowers plays a role in where their food comes from. Day two will feature lessons on local ecology lead by District Forester Kama Ross. Day three is affectionately titled "Habitrekking" and will consist of a habitat themed scavenger hunt through Misty Acre's extensive property. Day four will take students down to the river where we will zoom in on aquatic habitats by sampling for macroinvertebrates and learning how to test the quality of the water. Conservation Specialist John Ransom will teach students about what makes up a watershed and what they can do to make their local lakes and streams high quality habitats for wildlife. The fifth and final day will take place at the Art Park and will feature a guided tour of the sculptures and a chance for children to make their very own nature art .

We cannot emphasize enough what a great opportunity this is for local students to engage their knowledge in the outdoors while expanding their understanding of the natural world through exciting lessons, games and projects.     

To sign up: Contact Amié Merizon at aime@benziecd.org or 231-882-4391