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family outing

Kids are staying inside, even in rural areas

You are helping to change that.

Your love of the land may seem natural to you, but it’s more at risk than ever before. That’s partly because children are now spending less time outdoors than the average prisoner. Sadly, the lure of technology is winning.

Thanks to community support, our programs are free, fun, and in nature. They’re a great way to inspire kids’ interests and passions in a way that connects them to the land and water, creating memories they will cherish.

Inspiring tales in the outdoors

attending family programsGetting outside can sometimes be difficult, especially with youngsters who have high energy. We strive to offer programming that makes it easier. This past summer, we created story walks for youth that helped focus their energy, and encourage reading, family fun, and outdoor learning.

So when the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council reached out to us, we partnered with them and the Lowville Free Library to install “The Listening Walk” by Paul Showers as a story walk at the Maple Ridge Center. At the kick-off celebration, the first 100 youth to complete the trail received a free book and ice cream cone.

Additionally, we hosted six weeks of storywalks at the Joseph A. Blake Wildlife Sanctuary in Rutland, installed by the Carthage Free Library as part of their summer reading program.

Programs and events for friends and families

When you have an afternoon and want to go on a paddle or snowshoe hike, where do you turn? Visit our website to check out a variety of experiences.

In the coming year we will be partnering with community groups from Utica to Watertown to bring a variety of nature-based programs for people of ages.

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