Explore Nature at Capay Open Space Park
The Explore Nature Backpack kickoff event is set for Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Capay Open Space Park. Join the Cache Creek Conservancy as it takes part in the official launch of the Nature Explorer Backpacks program offered by the Yolo County Libraries.
The Oct. 22 kickoff event will showcase the Nature Explorer Backpacks, demonstrations by local environmental groups, and activities for families, said Nancy Ullrey, executive director of the Cache Creek Conservancy.
These Nature Explorer Backpacks will include books, lessons, and equipment like binoculars, according to Ullrey. The lessons are targeted toward children ages 6 through 12.
“The Conservancy has agreed to lead a bird walk, a nature walk, and have a resource table at the kickoff, which will be held at the Capay Open Space Park, 15603 County Road 85, Esparto.
Other scheduled presenters at the kickoff event include the Bohart Museum of Entomology, Yolo Audubon, Yolo County Parks, and the California Native Plant Society.
Designed to Inspire
“Nature Explorer Backpacks are portable learning kits loaded with books, tools and activities designed to inspire kids and their families to get outdoors and investigate the wonders of the natural world,” according to a statement from representatives of the Yolo County Library.
“Themes are focused on local plants, animals, and habitats that can be observed in community and regional parks and greenbelts, or in your own backyard. These resources are adaptable to various age groups, from babies to early adolescents.”
Each backpack contains a board book, picture books in English and Spanish, nonfiction books in English and Spanish, a pocket guide, a “nature ethics card” in English and Spanish, and a variety of equipment, including magnifying glasses, binoculars, pocket microscopes and other “discover tools.”
Among themes provided in the backpacks are animal tracks, bats, bees, birds, bugs, butterflies, rivers and creeks, rocks, trees, and wildflowers.
The backpacks can be borrowed from any Yolo County Library card holder for four weeks and should be returned to the library service desk. There is a limit of one backpack per cardholder at any one time.
Yolo County libraries are located at 1212 Merkley Ave., West Sacramento; 52915 Netherlands Ave., Clarksburg; 315 E. 14th St., Davis; 1441 Danbury St., Davis; 17065 Yolo Ave., Esparto; 42351 Third St., Knights Landing; 708 Railroad Ave., Winters; and 37750 Sacramento St., Yolo (although the library is still under construction through December).