Little Naturalist Story Time
October through May | Twice a month | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Little Naturalist is the perfect program for 3 to 5 year olds who are curious about animals, their habitats, the environment, and exploring nature. Join us twice a month, October through May, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to read a specially selected nature-themed book, explore the natural world, and complete a craft. Some favorites include snowshoeing on the Preserve, interacting with live reptiles and amphibians, upcycling old materials into holiday decorations, and much more!
Cost is $2.00 per youth participant, or buy a $15.00 punch card good for 10 programs. Only one punch card required per family and never expires. Payment will be taken at the door the day of the program. One caregiver must accompany children to participate. Please be prepared to adventure outdoors!
Note: Space is limited for some programs. Please see this year's schedule for more information.
October 8: Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson; Imaginations
will run wild while exploring the outdoors!
October 22: From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer & Autumn: A pop-up book by David A. Carter;
Paint your very own pumpkin!
November 5: Welcome to the Neighborwood by Shawn Sheehy & Beaver’s Lodge by Ingrid and Dieter
Schubert; Explore the diverse habitats of Utah!
November 19: Birds by Kevin Henkes & In My Nest by Sarah Gillingham; Do Utah animals hibernate or
migrate? Let’s find out!
December 3: Fox by Kate Banks and Owl Babies by Martin Waddell; Learn about Utah’s diverse wildlife
with a visit from Wild Wonders!
December 17: Snow by Cynthia Rylant & Snow is Falling by Franklyn M. Branley; The snow is falling!
Explore what happens when winter comes!
January 7: In the Snow: Who’s Been here? by Lindsay Barrett George & Someone Walks By by Polly
Carlson-Voiles; Dress warm and join us for a snow shoe adventure to look for signs
of wildlife on the preserve!
January 14: Watersong by Tina McCanna & Water by Frank Asch; Create a splash to understand the
importance of water!
February 4: Under One Rock: Bugs, slugs, and other ughs by Anthony D. Fredericks & Bugs! Bugs!
Bugs! by Bob Barner; Find out why bugs aren’t always creepy crawly.
February 11: The Earth and I by Frank Asch and You Belong Here by M.H. Clark; Help us protect
nature!
March 4: S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James and Flashlight by Lizi
Boyd; Do you know how to survive in the outdoors? Learn how to have a safe and fun
camping trip!
March 18: Pipsie Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar by Rick DeDonato and The Disappearing
Caterpillar by Rock DeDonato; Learn how caterpillars transform into butterflies!
April 1: A Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston; Learn to love the slippery, slimy, creepy,
and crawly creatures with a hands-on visit from Kim’s Cold Blooded Creatures!
April 15: Nature Recycles How About You? by Michelle Lord & Recycle Everyday by Nancy Elizabeth
Wallace; Play games to learn the dos and don’ts of recycling!
May 6: Spring: a pop-up book by David A Carter and Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms
by Julia Rawlinson; Smell the spring air with a hike on the nature preserve!
May 20: Near One Cattail by Anthony D. Frederick & Eliza and the Dragonfly by Susie Caldwell
Rinehart; Explore the hidden wildlife and importance of Swaner’s wetland habitat!
Name: Natalie McHale
Position: Education Assistant
E-mail: Natalie.McHale@usu.edu
Phone: 435-797-8938
Swaner Youth Programs are conducted in partnership with Utah State University Extension 4-H.
and sponsored by:
Rebecca Marriott Champion
Support the Little Naturalist Program!
Help our program continuously improve and grow by donating books of your choice from our Amazon Wish List! New stories allow us to spark participants' interest with new topics and provide a unique experience with every visit. The books will also be made available to the public in our Naturalist Room, a place for families to relax, read, and learn about the environment. Your donation and support is greatly appreciated!
