Alex and Brandon check out the woodlands diorama with docent D. A. Butts. Courtesy photo.

CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK – Clear Lake State Park enthusiastically invites all ages to “Sharing the Joy of Nature” in the visitor center auditorium at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12.

Joseph Cornell, naturalist and author, has developed this inspirational 40-minute film to motivate all to become one with nature through observation and suggested games.

Whether child, parent, teacher or grandparent, all will find a new way to view the natural world around us.

Cornell is a fifth-generation Californian, born in 1950, in the small town of Live Oak. He earned his bachelor of science degree in nature awareness from California State University, Chico in 1973, and a master's degree in nature awareness from the University of the Trees in Boulder Creek, California in 1979.

Through Cornell’s Sharing Nature Foundation, his books and videos are used worldwide.

Of his work the National Association for Interpretation says, “Sharing Nature sparked a worldwide revolution in nature education. Cornell is one of the most highly regarded nature educators in the world today.”

His work has been published in nineteen languages and is used by parents and teachers all over the globe.

As fall quiet comes to Clear Lake State Park, the interpretive association (CLSPIA) will maintain visitor center open hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays only through September. Dedicated docents maintain the visitor center.

CLSPIA is pleased that it could present the 2009 summer programs to the community and is always interested in the community response to what has been presented. CLSPIA has been pleased with the summer attendance. Visitors included tourists from around the world and from many of our states. Last weekend docents greeted couples from Denmark and Lithuania as well as many Californians.

On Aug. 30, docents Bella Kluyt and Johanna Cramm greeted centenarian Lala Pedersen of Lakeport, who was accompanied by her daughter Suzy and son-in-law Jim Gilbertson of Cobb.

Mrs. Pedersen, who celebrated her 100th birthday on July 4, 2009, enjoyed some of the park walkways and visited the museum. The Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walkways and ramp to the visitor center give many visitors the opportunity to enjoy the park. Clear Lake State Park is truly a park for all ages and all seasons.

Visit www.clearlakestatepark.org for great photos, activity schedule and park information.

Clear Lake State Park is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.