St. Joseph Preschool has collaborated with Clinton County Conservation over the last couple years. Once a month an interpretive naturalist comes to the classroom and leads a hands-on preschool science lesson with the children. One of the naturalists, usually Jessica Steines, takes into consideration the topics being covered and what the native wildlife may be experiencing at the time of her visit. She brings bones, furs and even live animals for the children to touch, hold and manipulate.
A snack and an activity completes the experience for the children. The preschoolers have had the opportunity to tag and release Monarch butterflies, learn the difference between mammals and reptiles, study birds and how they use their beaks, and much more. St. Joe’s feels very fortunate to have this resource available.
