Join us for storytime!

A new monthly program begins Jan. 4 at the Dickinson County Nature Center.

Storytime with a Naturalist premieres at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at the nature center in Okoboji, part of the 2020 program lineup.

“Since we’re open on Saturdays now, I thought it would be fun for families with children in school to come to the nature center to engage in some programs they might miss on weekdays,” said Bryanna Kuhlman, environmental education coordinator.

The free Storytime with a Naturalist program will be held the first Saturday of each month and will feature Kuhlman, naturalist Ashley Hansen or another nature center staff member or volunteer reading nature-themed stories.

Story themes will be seasonal or holiday-related, and some months may also feature another small program offering such as a craft or snack.

Children at the program should be old enough to sit through two stories, and Kuhlman said topics will be geared toward those up to fourth grade.

“Each program will last about a half hour, and then families will be free to explore the interactive exhibits and see the live animals at the nature center,” said Kiley Roth, community relations coordinator. “This is the first winter that we have been open Saturdays, and we’re excited to not only offer open hours but to also have special programs once a month on the weekend. I think Storytime with a Naturalist will be well attended.”

Pre-registration is not necessary for Storytime with a Naturalist.

For more information on Dickinson County Nature Center programs, click here or call 712-336-6352. You can also keep up on the latest happenings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Dickinson County Nature Center is located at 22785 Nature Center Road, Okoboji, and is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, year-round.