Nature Nuts Kids Club

Founded in 2013, the Nature Nuts Kids Club is an active group of young naturalists (ages 8-17) who care about the environment. Club members manage and govern White Pine Tree Trail at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center.

Nature Nuts management includes maintaining trails, picking up litter, removing invasive species, and planting new trees/flowers. A portion of each meeting will include planning for the next meeting, working outside in our area in addition to fun activities. Members will decide what projects need to be completed in what order, what tools we will need, etc. This is a great opportunity to be involved in a club that nurtures responsibility, conservation, and nature awareness. Members can work in their managed area outside of meeting times, and always work alongside Douglas-Hart Nature Center staff.

What to expect:

Membership Dues:  A one-time $12 membership fee to help cover meeting snacks and supplies. There may be additional fees such as lunch outings or field trips but our goal is too keep fees minimal.

Member Roles/Responsibilities:

• Be an advocate for the environment and kids club
• Attend monthly meetings
• Participate in club activities
• Recruit new members
• Assist with special Kids Club opportunities when available

Officers: Elected in January each year. Must have at least 1 year of Kids Club experience to be an officer.

• President is a leader that guides the club throughout the meeting from one activity to the next.
• Vice President assumes the president's role when absent, assists president, and awards acorns.
• Secretary records all meeting minutes, recaps previous meeting, and creates club promo.
• Treasurer calculate changes in revenue and expense for the club account and informs club of changes.

Acorn Awards:  Acorns symbolize points for participants. Acorns are earned by completing tasks and projects with nature center staff. For example, members who attend a volunteer day, pick up litter, or are observed conducting a good deed will be awarded acorn points. Acorn awards and prizes will be awarded at the end of the year.

Special Outings/Events: Throughout the year, opportunities for club members to go on field trips, assist with DHNC events, or host their own event will arise. Parents/guardians will be contacted via email for these special opportunities.

How Do I Join?: Are you interested in joining the next group of earth loving, tree hugging young naturalists? Applications for the Nature Nuts Kids Club are being accepted, please fill out the electronic form below.

Monthly Meetings:
Last Monday of every month 4-6pm

Officers:
President: Annabel Wehrle
Vice-President: Emma Tolppanen
Treasurer: Liam Kai
Secretary: Brooklyn Jones

Elections for officers are held during the January Meeting.

Apply to Nature Nuts Kids Club

Meeting Agenda*:

• ​President calls the meeting to order at 4p.m.
• Secretary recaps minutes from last meeting 
• Treasurer reads the treasury report
• Vice President asks the club if there any new ideas/concerns/questions regarding the club
• President leads discussion on important club matters
• Conservation Activity
• Kid’s Choice Activity
• Vice President awards acorns
• President calls the meeting to a close

*This is a tentative schedule that is subject to change depending on the time of year, kids club projects, etc.*

Goals:

• Insect feeders
• Bird Feeders
• Plant flowers
• Shelter
• Add more limestone
• Add a campfire trail
• Add picnic tables to the campfire area & expand campfire area to accommodate larger groups.
• Sell bug spray
• Add a bench made from recycled plastic to White Pine Tree trail
• Host Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser

Conservation Projects:

• Brush piles (ongoing)
• Clear trails (ongoing)
• Remove bad plants (ongoing)
• Remove thorns from trail (ongoing)
• Directional Signs (in progress)

Accomplishments:

• Hosted 2017 Trivia Night Fundraiser
• New trash receptacles
• Move large logs
• Bat houses
• Nesting Boxes

• The Nature Nuts Kids Club was awarded $1000.00 grant from PLT GreenWorks in 2015. The funds were used towards new plantings, a new interpretive sign and Johnny Geocash! Visit Geocaching.com to find out where. Search "DHNC - Johnny GeoCash."