Junior Naturalist Program

The Junior Naturalist Program is designed to encourage children to explore nature all year. The group will meet every other month to discover, investigate, and have fun adventures in the outdoors.  Nature Center programs at Lost River Cave are designed to give young people hands-on experiences. 

WHO: Children ages 6 -12

WHAT:  The Program consists of 6 individual sessions.  The fee for all 6 sessions is $50 per student.  Individual sessions may be purchased for $10 each.

WHERE: Lost River Cave, 2818 Nashville Road, Bowling Green KY

WHEN:  The 3rd Saturday of January, March, May, July, September and November from 2pm-4pm.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

• The program fee includes identification guides, field tools and a journal for each student.  

• If someone other than the parent or guardian shown on the registration is to accompany or pick-up the child, they must present an authorization signed by the parent or guardian. 

• It is important that children arrive and depart on time.  All sessions begin at the River Birch Room at Lost River Cave. 

• Dress children for the weather.  Waterproof footwear is suggested.  However, closed- toed shoes are a must. A hat, sunscreen and bug spray should be considered. 

January 21, 2012
Become a nature detective.  Learn about the wildlife, botany, geology and hydrology, insects, reptiles and amphibians in and around Lost River Cave. Learn how to keep a nature journal and make the first entry. 

March 17, 2012
Gear up to take a closer look at the various wildlife habitats found at Lost River. The aquatic habitat will be examined by going on an aquatic invertebrates search in the wetland, blue holes and spring. 

May 19, 2012
Tree walk and wildflower talk.  Get to know trees and wildflowers and their use in the habitat.   Investigate invasive plants and how they interfere with their environment.

July 21, 2012
Check out what flies, creeps and slithers in the valley, the prairie and the wetland.  Learn about the insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Lost River home. Adventure out to the drift fence traps and cover boards for a close up look.  

September 15, 2012
Lost River Valley is home to approximately 150 species of birds.  Examine feathers and bones to learn what makes a bird a bird. Bird beaks and other adaptations determine what birds eat and where they live.  Identify and study birds with binoculars, field guides, and smart-phone applications on a hike in the Valley.

November 17, 2012
Get down and dirty with a wild caving trip.  Also, learn about the three types of rocks that are inter-related through the rock cycle and the geological history of caves and the surrounding karst topography. 

For more information, please contact Annie Holt at 270.393.0077 or email at annie@lostrivercave.com

Please print the Registration Form and return it to Wildflower Gifts or fax it to 270.393.0076