By Alison Rooney
Taking advantage of the natural setting surrounding Haldane, a group of parents and local environmental educators formed the group Eco-Kids a few years ago. Aimed primarily at elementary-aged children, the Eco-Kids learn experientially about the natural world and then apply their knowledge to things like the new community garden, recycling and educating their parents.
New and returning Eco-Kids will soon be exploring the trails and woods around James Pond near Haldane in a series of Haldane PTA After School Enrichment hikes in a program made possible through the support of the Hudson Highlands Land Trust Environmental Discovery Grant Program. Outdoor educators Peter Salmansohn and Kathy Bakker will lead the groups. Two six-week sessions, beginning at the end of March are available, divided by age, with the kindergarten through second grade group meeting on Tuesdays, from 3:10 to 4:30 p.m. and the third through fifth graders
scheduled for Mondays at the same time. There will be no hikes during the April break and the program ends in early May. Parents are welcome to join in, and in fact, parents of kindergarteners must accompany their child. Everyone should wear appropriate footwear – – mud happens.
What a great project! I love this.