Last Saturday we had a wonderful time with Willa and the farm animals, holding ducklings, chicks, and bunnies. We got to feed the llamas, pet the horses, and even painted little salt-dough bunnies to take home (Thank you Anna!) The weather was beautiful and many people stayed to eat a picnic lunch. We had a total of 31 kids attend in two groups, and it was such fun to see the delight in the children's faces as they got to hold the babies. Everyone was very respectful and helpful. For many, it was a new experience. Here's some feedback from participants: "The whole thing was amazing and we feel so lucky we were able to attend." "We enjoyed holding the baby ducks and chickens and feeding the llamas!" Check out our photo gallery to see pictures of this great day at the farm!!

We had a fabulous day at the museum on Saturday with the Earth Rocks! Geology Day. The place was packed with standing room only. The kids had a great time and Don was knowledgeable and funny! Thanks again Don! He brought us interesting and unusual specimens to inspect, like arsenic (in a plastic case) fossils, and calcite, which bubbled when we put a few drops of acid on it. Everyone brought neat rocks to identify, and we got to collect some petrified wood from outside. We walked down to the pond and also got to paint this giant paper mache earth that Anna brought. The kids are going to finish creating the center layers of the earth (with felt) next time. It wsa a fun day and we are looking forward to the next playshop!

See our photo gallery for all the pictures!

Karen

We have several projects that we are needing a volunteer to do. We
have the supplies and specs to make three butterfly nets for the
museum. If anyone has the time to sew the nets and assemble them that
would be great!

Also I am thinking about organizing a herps day
in May, as I have met some folks in Eugene who have great herp pets. I
know a woman with a 4 1/2 foot long iguana, and a young man with a
small python. Let me know if you have a reptile or amphibian you would
like to bring out to share with us on a Saturday in May.  

Our next playshop is scheduled for March 1st, and we will be exploring the world of Geology with our geologist Don Lown! Everyone is encouraged to bring three mystery rocks for identification. These can be any rocks you may already have or find somewhere. After that we will be talking about how rocks form, looking at some samples, and using acid to do some tests on rocks! Then we will find our own piece of petrified wood to take home. Also Anna will lead us in a craft- making a paper mache model of the earth showing the layers in it's crust. This will stay at the museum so everyone can enjoy it!

Bring a sack lunch and a water bottle, and dress for the weather. Call me to pre-register at 683-8271. We start at 11:00. See ya there!