Stokes Nature Center holds open house
The Stokes Nature Canter (SNC) kicked off their seventh annual open house Saturday which featured games, crafts and an opportunity to learn about Logan’s wildlife.
The activities consisted of dissecting owl pellets, touching boxes which held snake skin, deer antlers and nests and Animal Track, a game to identify animal foot prints and a craft table to make owl puppets.
Animals were also exhibited such as a northern leopard frog, a tarantula and a Great Basin snake that the children were able to hold.
Lisa Moore, community programs director of SNC, said the animals that are exhibited are funded through the “adopt a critter” program.
Those who adopt the animals pay a small fee each week for food and exhibiting space in the center. She said the owners have rights to visit and hold or pet the animal as much as they want.
Exhibits of different types of bugs found in Logan were displayed as well as skulls from mountain lions, moose and badgers.
The open house attracted families from Logan. Some parents there said it was a good way for their children to learn about and appreciate nature.
Peggy Basdekas, a Logan resident, said this was her second year bringing her children to the open house. Basdekas son adopted one of the animals in the center and she said it has been a good learning experience for her children.
Victor Ravoy, a Pocatello, Idaho native, said the open house was “fabulous.” Ravoy had only been to Logan one other time and said he was excited to hear about the open house.
Moore said, “Our mission is to provide a place for students of all ages to explore and to become educated and appreciate nature.”
She added that the open house was a way to let those who are interested in the world around them come and learn free of charge.
SNC provides several different programs to the public including a school program that offers several different learning opportunities for school age children. Some require a small fee and others are free of charge.
SNC also offers a day camp for children. The SNC is open year-round and is free to visit, only the programs cost money. Moore said the center is run by a small staff and volunteers. It receives funding through program fees, grants, annual auctions and donations.
“We do a lot for families and kids,” Moore said.
-kap@cc.usu.edu
This king snake is one of the Stokes Nature Center´s adopted pets. Children were able to hold the snakes at the nature center during Saturday´s open house. (Photo by Jamie Crane)