LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The children’s nature education program at the Rodman Preserve will be held on Saturday, July 21, starting at 9 a.m. at the preserve near Upper Lake.

The program is presented by Lake County Land Trust volunteer and nature education specialist, Elaine Mansell and is free and open to youth age 7 to 12.

Mansell, who used to lead the Junior Rangers program at Clear Lake State Park, takes kids on a “Rodman Explorer,” adventure.

She encourages them to use their senses: the sense of sight will be experienced with eyes alone, binoculars, microscopes, examining animal tracks, scat, holes, trees, slough water, birds, insects, and mammals, she explained.

Hikers will open their ears to listen to and identify sounds and Rodman Explorers will use their sense of touch, by touching mammal skins, leaves, bark, plants, and shells to discover that there are many different surfaces and textures in nature.

The purpose of the program is to direct children to be observant, utilizing all of their senses rather than ambling through the woods aimlessly, Mansell explains. They will learn, enjoy, and commit to “leaving no trace.”

Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling Elaine at 707-263-1637.

Parents are welcome and can either take a hike on the Rodman Preserve property, or stay with their children.

For more information about the Lake County Land Trust and for directions to the preserve, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org .