Celebrating National Park & Recreation Month
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Dozens took to the woods Friday at Bay Shore County Park to learn a little bit about nature.
The event complements National Park and Recreation Month being celebrated around the country.
From a big plump bullfrog to a tiny snapping turtle on the move, animals took center stage at Naturalist Day at Bay Shore County Park.
“It was very hands on. So they were able to touch the animals, and play with them, and learn about the animals that are in their environment,” said Ashley Paplham, Kewaunee.
Paplham and her group traveled from Kewaunee to take part.
“Besides going and playing inside and doing things, getting them outside, and just in the woods, learning to do things without toys, such as playing in nature, I think is really important.”
“Here with Brown County Parks, it is parks and recreation month, and so we’re doing this year’s theme is “Game On.” So we have little different aspects of games,” said Jason Petrella, Brown County Parks Program and Natural Resource Coordinator.
For the young anglers, there was a place to practice casting. Others could perfect their ring-toss skills. There was even a rustic-themed obstacle course, complete with a run across a log in the grass.
Petrella says the park system has a lot to offer people at any age.
“It’s a great way to get outside, which is important to be active, especially in the summer months, when we’ve been dying to get outside after this winter. Now’s a chance to take advantage of it.”
There are 18 county parks and trails throughout Brown County.
The next Naturalist Day is scheduled for August 6, at Neshota Park near Denmark.
