The 10th annual Youth Outdoors Day will be held here on Sept. 10.
Students are encouraged to register early as space is limited to 250. They can register online at www.youthoutdoorsday.com/, and should register by Aug 15.
Since its inception 10 years ago, nearly 2,000 youngsters have discovered that learning about the outdoors is fun when the lessons have hands-on opportunities.
Youth Outdoors Day was created to introduce youth to activities and have them gain an appreciation for the natural environment. Stations are designed to expose them to a variety of outdoor activities, and station leaders and volunteers provide coaching. Activities include bird identification, banding, and calling, birdhouse building, target shooting, wetland habitat rehabilitation, and fly fishing. There will be a number of demonstrations, such as the use of retriever and pointer hunting dogs, humane trapping techniques, bow hunting, and a falconry demonstration.
The instructors bring skills and provide equipment so young people can see and feel what it is like to handle a bow and arrow, build a bird house or feeder. Many of the kids have never done anything like it before.
Last year there were 36 station leaders and over 70 volunteers.
Parents are encouraged to attend and participate with their children.
The day’s activities include:
– Bird identification and banding Retired biology teacher Dave Lamble, of Fergus, will do bird banding and students can discover how to identify various birds and area waterfowl.
– Archery Participants have an opportunity to try shooting at targets with various types of bows.
– Bird house building Build a wood duck box or owl box that provides essential nesting for those species. Participants can donate the completed box to be placed for increased nesting opportunities or can take it home with them.
– Camping What tools are needed for camping? Visit this station and find out some of the tricks used by experienced campers.
– Falconry Get a chance to get close to these skilled birds and watch a live demonstration.
– Fish identification and casting Try casting and identifying local fish species.
– Fly fishing Learn the skill of fly tying and casting a fly-rod.
– Nature’s Corner Skilled Craftsmen demonstrate trades – examine the details of wood carver.
– Pointer and Retriever dogs Learn about these hunting companions and see them demonstrate their skills.
– Target shooting Test your skill at target shooting.
– Wildflowers identify and learn some of their uses.
– Butterflies learn about the types, butterfly banding.
– Wetland Discovery Learn about fish habitat and aquatic species.
