S R T E D U CAT I O N & VO L U N T E E R S
Make a Difference Day clears way for children’s trail
Barn-raisings might be mostly a thing of the past, but
A MOTHER’S INSTINCTS: Being a mom meant that SRT Stewardship Director Ann Huber (above) keenly sensed a need for Early Childhood Learning opportunities at SRT preserves.
their spirit lives on at Kaweah Oaks Preserve, considering how the community turned out to build the new KOP Children’s Trail. With support from Gannett’s annual Make a Difference Day, more than a hundred volunteers showed up for some heavy lifting, brush clearing and trail charting. Among those helping included Central Valley Christian’s football team; Alcoa-Kawneer employees, and nearly one hundred community members. Artist-created interpretive play stations will educate early childhood learners about conservation subjects – all while they play. Why this project? “It comes down to how we first learn to love nature, and later conservation,” said Ann Huber, SRT Stewardship Director. “Many of us who value the natural world as adults can trace our commitment back to playing outside at a young age -- and it’s spaces like this trail that we hope will attract young kids to grow up and value nature as adults.” That idea inspired SRT to provide tot-sized picnic tables, benches, and areas to climb and hide. The Children’s Trail provides an open, safe place for young children to play and explore on their own, with good visibility for parents nearby. More features are planned. “It was inspiring to see such a unique and diverse group of volunteers join together on common ground to learn about and help to support our Make a Difference Day efforts at the Kaweah Oaks Preserve,” said Bud Darwin, SRT Director of Education and Volunteers. “The SRT volunteer program continues to grow and provide ongoing opportunities throughout the year for community members from all walks of life to get involved and contribute in a variety of ways.”
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