The recent event was led by Kyla Jochmans and Nathaniel Propst from the Ward Soil Conservation District, who read two books to the children and guided them in the craft project using shaving cream and food coloring to make a sun.

The program is fairly new, as the Nature Explorers group first rolled out in June. Children of all ages and their parents/caregivers are invited to share a story and a project with the Ward Soil Conservation District. The projects cover an array of topics, such as the water cycle, solar power, trees, animals, plants and soil.

Jochmans said the main purpose of the Nature Explorers group is to offer conservation education and involvement to the urban community. Jochman said the program can be customized for all age groups.

“Working with the library has been so great. The staff is wonderful. It has been great collaborating with them,” Jochmans said. “Right now, it’s mostly very little ones so we do a lot of hands-on, engaging activities so young people can start thinking about nature and how they relate to it and how we can help conserve it.”

Wendy Harper/MDN Kyla Jochmans from the Ward Soil Conservation District reads to the children attending the Nature Explorers Program at Minot Public Library Thursday, Aug. 7.

The children at the recent event were intrigued, having a great time and eager to find out about future activities of Nature Explorers.

According to library staff, Nature Explorers meet the first and third Thursday of each month from 10-10:30 a.m.