Big Morongo Canyon kicks off their Summer Science Fun program this Friday (7/3)
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve will be hosting their free Summer Science Fun series every Friday in July to provide programming for children during summer break. Reporter Gabriel Hart spoke to the Preserve’s Co-Chairman of Education Kim McClinton about the intention of the program and what to expect this Friday for their first session of the season.
While school’s out for summer, the desert’s high temperatures often relegate children to the confines of their home where their minds crave stimulation. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve aims to fill that void of boredom with their Summer Science Fun program with hands-on exploration of new nature topics every week, all in the shade of the Preserve’s trees or the cool A/C of their Nature Center. I asked the Preserve’s Co-Chairman of Education Kim McClinton how the program was created:
“The Education Program decided we needed something that would help keep kids engaged over the summer months when they’re kind of stuck indoors and it’s hot. So last year we decided to do this Summer Science Fun. We had it once a week which we’re doing this year but we’re just doing it in July. So there’s five Fridays in July and for those five Fridays kids can come in at any time between 9:00 and noon for free hands-on exploration and craft activities. We just introduce them to a lot of the different things that you’ll find in the preserve but more inside, a closer look to have some fun with it,” said McClinton.
This July 3 will be the first Friday of the Summer Science Fun season, where McClinton says they’ll be focusing on Native Americans’ relationship with native plants.
“Carolyn, who is kind of our expert on Native Americans, she’s going to be there and they’re going to look at some of the plants in our garden and talk about the uses for the Native Americans. She’s going to show them different ways that they made things and then they’re going to do some hands-on activities themselves. Like we have a mortar and pestle of a Cottonwood so they can grind up some of the Mesquite beans and then a little rock art activity,” said McClinton.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve’s Summer Science Fun program will be every Friday in July from 9:00 a.m. to noon, no registration required. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is located in Morongo Valley at 11055 East Drive.
