Spectacular! The volcanic Jemez Mountains rise up from the high desert like an island in the sky surrounded by a desert sea. The Rio Grande rift splits the Colorado Plateau and a sparkling ribbon of water flows along its path. Northern New Mexico’s rich diversity of ecosystems awaits the curious. This June, PEEC offers children the opportunity to explore this wild and enchanting landscape. Programs are for children entering grades 4-6 (Nature Odyssey) and grades 7-8 (LEAP). Each week is a chance for them to spend their days outdoors, make new friends, and meet scientists in the field.
2011 Nature Odyssey kids have fun with geology.
Nature Odyssey’s Wet’n Wild Along the Rio Grande is the week of June 4-8. During this odyssey, kids will explore all things wet, wild, and wonderful along the Rio Grande, from its bosques to its cienegas and lagunas. They will get their feet wet as they get to know the creatures that swim, hop, fly, and sneak around the water’s edge in each habitat. Along the way, kids will search for mysterious petroglyphs carved by those who hunted and farmed along the Rio centuries ago. On the final day, they’ll hike among the Triassic rocks of Ghost Ranch, visit a fossil-rich dinosaur dig, and then cool off with watermelon and water play.
Nature Odyssey’s Super Sleuths in the Valles Caldera and Beyond is the week of June 11-15. During this odyssey kids become nature detectives and hone all their senses as they delve into the mysteries of the mountains. They’ll be on the case in the beautiful Valles Caldera National Preserve, investigating its diverse habitats from rivers to meadows to forests. Throughout the week, they’ll be on the lookout for clues to how the natural world works. On the final day, the kids will use their super-sleuthing skills on a special adventure in the Jemez Mountains.
LEAP (Living Earth Adventure Program) is the week of June 18-22. During this adventure kids will let their curiosity be their guide as they explore the diverse ecosystems between the Rio Grande and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. During this adventure, kids will make new friends while exploring the archeology, geology, ecology, and wildlife of northern New Mexico. The journey will culminate with an exciting raft trip through spectacular rock formations and canyons that formed millions of years ago.
To reserve your child’s place, register on-line at www.PajaritoEEC.orgor visit PEEC at 3540 Orange St. (T-Fri 12-4, Sat 10-1). Please call 662-0460 with questions. Financial aid is available for children of families with incomes that might limit their ability to participate, including income-based full scholarships and partial scholarships for children whose household income relies solely on a policemen, firefighter, or public school employee. We hope to see your kids this June as we explore the beautiful wilderness we call home!
