Contact: Lori Davis, (252) 838-0883

RACHEL CARSON COASTAL RESERVE HOSTS SUMMER NATURALIST PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS IN PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8^TH GRADE

BEAUFORT, N.C. – This summer the Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve will host a Junior Naturalist program for students in grades 4 through 8, along with two summer programs for younger students, from preschool through third grade.

Beginning June 18, the Junior Naturalist program will run Wednesdays through August 6, from 9-12 p.m. All classes will be held at the Reserve facility on Pivers Island in Beaufort. Students will conduct field investigations of estuaries. Activities will include marsh seining, water quality sampling, animal population studies, beach and marsh profiles, and phytoplankton identification.

Participants may register for all eight sessions for $100, or may register for individual classes at $15 per class. Priority will be given to those students registering for all eight sessions. All session registration is now open. Registration for individual classes begins on June 1. To register, contact Lori Davis at (252) 838-0883 or lori.c.davis@ncmail.net.

The Reserve will also offer two summer opportunities for young students interested in estuarine studies. Preschool Storytime and Arts and Crafts will be held June 16, July 14 and August 11. All sessions are from 9-10 a.m. and are free of charge. Topics will include hermit crabs, jellyfish and snails. Adventures in the Estuary (1st - 3rd grade) will be held July 15, 17, 22 and 24. All sessions are from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. and will cost $40 for all four classes. Topics will include estuarine habitats, invertebrates, vertebrates, and plankton. For more information about these programs or to register, please call 252-838-0883. Space is limited so register early.

###