Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 8, 1993                   TAG: 9307070466
SECTION: PARENT'S GUIDE                    PAGE: PG-6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY  
SOURCE: By BECKY HEPLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A LOVE OF NATURE

There are many good books on the market, some designed for teachers, others for parents, that have activities and ideas for children of all ages. Environmental awareness as a theme is even present in some children's literature.

In addition, there are several magazines with an environmental and nature focus aimed at children, such as "Ranger Rick," which is published by the National Wildlife Federation, "National Geographic World" and "Odyssey." The library carries these.

Many organizations devoted to environmental causes have children's divisions. Joining the organizations allows children to be part of a group committed to important ideas. This appeals to children and gives them information and opportunities about these issues.

One of the best ways to get children interested in nature is to join the local science or natural history museum. These organizations hold classes and special programs that cater to the younger set.

In Blacksburg, the Virginia Museum of Natural History at Virginia Tech has several interesting programs, field trips and and activities this summer for children, including how to plant a butterfly and hummingbird garden and "Songs of the Night." There are several field trips, including a Bald Eagle Tour on the James River, a research tour to Saltville and two fossil collecting trips to the coastal plain.

The New River Valley area gives parents many opportunities to get outside in fun ways with their children. Whether a quick overnight jaunt or a week long trip, families can enjoy hiking and camping trips very close to home. Brochures and pamphlets can be found at the Blacksburg Ranger District U. S. Forest Service office, on South Main Street to these.

The Ellett Nature Trail, off Jennelle Road, is a mile-long loop on a 100-acre tract that introduces some important natural lessons through three mini loops with signs. The Sensory Awareness trail lets children learn of nature through their senses. The Cycle of Life trail is a trip down the food chain, starting with the sun. Everyone wants to see a bear when they go to the woods, but without the smaller elements, there would be no bears and the Micro Trail explains this. The park is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Blacksburg Department of Parks and Recreation.

Another way to spark interest in nature is to incorporate natural things into their other activities, such as arts and crafts. Collecting specimens, whether seashells at the beach, flowers for drying, leaves during autumn or rocks and minerals gives the child lots of materials in doing art projects.

In a similar way, the arts/crafts projects could have a natural orientation, so that a woodworking project could be building a birdhouse or bird feeder. Another fun project is sunprints, where objects are arranged on photosensitive paper and exposed to the sun to make a picture.

A vegetable or flower garden is always a fun project and a good lesson in the cycle of life and growing things. The younger the child, the smaller the scale should be, but even three-year olds will enjoy starting some seeds and checking their progress.

Pets can also help in teaching about life and nature. Aquariums are good object lessons in achieving a balanced environment and what goes into that. This is more appropriate for older children.

Of course, the key factor in children developing an interest in nature is having parents who have an interest in nature. Never underestimate the effect of modeling on your children.