A large black bear (stuffed), a small fox (stuffed) and a corn snake (slithering) look on as 10 children sit on carpets in the middle of the floor, listening to "Miss Sherry" read the book, "Little Raccoon Catches A Cold."

The storytime is a favorite scene every second Friday of each month at Charlotte's Quest Nature Center in Manchester.

Nature's Nook -- an hour-long program geared toward children ages 2 to 6, has the purpose of introducing kids to nature through hands-on experiences.

But it's also a lot of fun for kids and parents alike.

Jan Cramer of Shrewsbury, Pa., has been a member of Charlotte's Quest for four years. She says that as a mom who home schools her children ages 9, 7 and 3, she loves the opportunity for her youngsters to learn about science and nature through the variety of programs offered at Charlotte's Quest.

"I love the regular monthly classes and Miss Sherry. Seeing her teach the children and watching my children flourish under her teaching, is what keeps me coming back, even though I moved out of the area awhile ago," Cramer says.

She added that there is a nature center closer to her home in Pennsylvania, but the teaching at Charlotte's Quest makes it worth the travel for her children.

"You can see that they don't throw a lot of money into this place (Charlotte's Quest); it's the teaching that is so invaluable," Cramer says.

Sherry Fisher (aka Miss Sherry), has been a naturalist in Carroll County for 15 years, and has worked part-time at Charlotte's Quest for five years.

"I love being a naturalist, as it combines my love of the natural environment and my love of teaching children," Fisher says.

"I believe that children need to be connected to the natural world, because we will protect and respect what we love," she adds. "Through exploration and hands-on activities, I help them to understand the world around them and their part in it."

Fisher, the only paid employee of the nature center, notes that Charlotte's Quest is funded by membership, grants, program fees, donations -- and money bequeathed by the late Charlotte Collett, a long-time teacher in Manchester for whom the center is named.

Charlotte's Quest opened in 1995 after Manchester's Town Council worked with Manchester Elementary School to create the outdoor education area on part of Pine Valley Park, adjacent to the school. A pavilion was built by foundation volunteers.

Collett, then a member of the Town Council, spearheaded the project. The center was named Pine Valley Nature Center, but after Collett passed away in 2001, the foundation held a rededication and renaming ceremony in May 2002 renaming it Charlotte's Quest.

The organization currently has more than 50 members, and the grounds are managed by the City of Manchester.

Fisher notes that Charlotte's Quest is hoping to eventually build a new center that will feature exhibit areas as well as education areas.

She said the foundation that oversees Charlotte's Quest is working to increase membership and offer more programs in order to increase funds to complete the new center.

In addition to Nature's Nook, other monthly programs offered include Outdoor Classroom for children ages 5 to 9; Nature Explorers for ages 7 to 10; and the Earth Kids Club, for ages 10 to 16.

Membership fees run the gamut, from $8 for an individual membership to $1,000 to become a "benefactor" of the center. Program fees generally range from $2 to $3 and require advanced registration.

"I believe we all can make a difference in this world, and I want to give children the knowledge and tools to affect positive change," says Fisher.

After the children finish listening to Miss Sherry read books, they go out for a hike on some of the 4.5 miles of trails at Charlotte's Quest.

On this bright October morning, the young hikers look for holes in the ground where squirrels and chipmunks hide their nuts and berries in preparation for cold weather.

The hour ends with a craft that allows the youngsters to use some of the information they've learned during the hour. It's fun for them, and satisfying too, for Miss Sherry.

"I still feel a sense of wonder and happiness while exploring and learning with the children," she says. "I truly love what I do."

More info:

Charlotte's Quest is under the direction of the Manchester Parks Foundation and the Town of Manchester, and is located at 3400 Wilhelm Lane, Manchester.

The nature center's Interpretive Building is open the First Sunday of each month, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The next date is Sunday, Nov. 2. In addition, residents are free to park at the gate and walk in during the hours that the Interpretive Building is not open.

The center also hosts special activities and clubs throughout the year. Registration is required at least two days in advance. Scheduled activities for November at Charlotte's Quest include:

Sunday, Nov. 2, 3 to 4 p.m. -- Creepy Creatures, for all ages. Participants can explore creatures such as snakes, bats and spiders through activities, a craft and a session with live animals. Cost is $2 members, $3 non-members.

Friday, Nov. 7, 9:30 to 11 a.m. -- Outdoor Classroom, for ages 5 to 9. Children learn about natural science through outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Cost is $2 members, $3 non-members.

Friday, Nov. 14, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. -- Nature Nook, for ages 2 to 6. Miss Sherry conducts an exploration of nature through crafts, stories, hands-on experiences and a short hike. Cost is $1 members, $2 non-members.

Friday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- Nature Explorers, for ages 7 to 10. Learn about ecosystems through hikes, activities, and field studies. Cost is $2 members, $3 non-members.

Friday, Nov. 14, Earth Kids Club, for ages 10 to 16. Learn about issues concerning the environment through projects, restoration and cleanups.

For details and registration for any of these events, or to find out about volunteer opportunities, call 410-374-3395 or go to www.charlottesquestnaturecenter.org.

---

user comments (0)