Jefferson County Extension to host ‘Growing Up Wild’

Jefferson County ISU Extension and Outreach will offer a program called “Growing Up Wild” on Tuesday, Aug. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Conservation Office, 2003 Libertyville Road, Fairfield.

Growing Up Wild is designed for individuals that work with or are interested in outdoor enrichment for children ages 3-7.

“This program builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature through outdoor exploration,” said Dawn Dunnegan, a Human Sciences Specialist in Family Wellbeing.

There are 27 field-tested lessons that include over 400 experiences to share with students. These experiences involve concepts in science, math, vocabulary, art, music and movement, health and safety, and nutrition, and other subjects.

This training is offered in partnership with Jefferson County Conservation. Growing Up Wild is part of The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and supported by Iowa DNR.

Dunnegan says, “Research tells us benefits for children who spend time outdoors:”

• Improves physical and emotional wellbeing

• Exposure to the outdoors and nature reduces stress in children

• Reduces childhood obesity

• Enhances creative play and reduces aggression

• Improves school performance

• Increases the development of imagination and creative play

• Creates opportunity for future stewards of the outdoors and conservation

Participants will receive a four-hour certificate of completion. The training cost is $10.00, and participants will receive a morning snack, training, and a curriculum to take with them. Space is limited so register today. To register, go to https://go.iastate.edu/HOEAQB or contact the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166

For more information, contact Dawn Dunnegan, dunnegan@iastate.edu, 319-217-9474, or the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166.