One of the highlights of my job here at LREC is working closely with our talented team of Volunteer Educators. This dedicated group of individuals devotes time and attention each week to lead small groups of students around the site. As they explore the creek, prairie and woods I see our volunteers encourage children to take risks, wonder about the natural world, and have fun in the outdoors.
Enjoy these photos that capture some of our Volunteer Educators in action. Click on any photo to view the gallery.
Eddie Jones and Marty Schmitt work with Volunteer Educator trainees Pam Walsh, Barbara Lehmier, Ann Niemann and Donna Bourisaw.
Diane DuBois examines a walnut with 1st grade students from Lafayette Preparatory Academy.
Michelle Blackford and Debbie Hildebrand check out collections with 1st grade students from Lafayette Preparatory Academy.
Stephanie Gestring, education intern, talks with City Academy 2nd graders about leaf adaptations.
Jerry Lehman examines fossils with students from Brentwood Early Childhood Center.
Pat Zerillo and her group from Raintree School explore the South Prairie.
Sue Graf and 3rd graders from The Soulard School observe ripples made by throwing rocks in the creek.
Marty Schaeffer investigates a deer skull with students from The Soulard School.
Ray Potter examines prairie plant seeds with 4th graders from Gateway Elementary on a gorgeous fall day.
Maureen McCarthy smiles as 2nd grade students from Lafayette Preparatory Academy practice balancing on a fallen tree.
Phyllis Noelken spots some Tiny Tots from Sacred Heart Villa as they climb the downed cottonwood.
Linda Tonnies focuses on a fall nature collage made by Sacred Heart Villa students.