Cleveland Metroparks and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank today announced the return of the Kids Nature Lunch & Learn Series. Entering its third year, the partnership program connects youth to free summer learning opportunities across the Park District.
Throughout the summer, Cleveland Metroparks team of naturalists will host nearly 30 adventures at centrally located park reservations, near the City of Cleveland, with its mobile nature center, NatureTracks. Educational themes will include hands-on learning about creepy critters, survival skills, geology, water, birds, wildflowers, astronomy, pollinators and more.
“We are excited to continue the Lunch & Learn partnership this summer, connecting youth with hands-on learning experiences through the mobile nature center,” said Mary Rouse, Cleveland Metroparks Director of Outdoor Experiences. “We hope our passionate team of educators will spark lifelong connections for youth with the natural world.”
The Kids Nature Lunch & Learn Series kicks-off June 5 and will be hosted Wednesdays at Euclid Creek Reservation’s Highland Picnic Area, Thursdays at Bedford Reservation’s Hemlock Creek Picnic Area and Fridays at Lakefront Reservation near Edgewater Beach.
Each Lunch & Learn will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and free lunch will be provided for youth ages 18 and under as part of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Summer Feeding program, while supplies last. Books for youth will also be available through the Cleveland Book Bank.
“We are beyond grateful to continue our partnership with Cleveland Metroparks this summer,” said Diana Davet, director of programs, Greater Cleveland Food Bank. “Getting much-needed healthy meals to kids who may otherwise have to go without is key to our mission in making sure everyone has the nutritious meals they need every day and we couldn’t do it without the help of our partners.”
In 2023, over 2,000 youth participated in the program and nearly 1,100 lunches were served.
To view the Kid’s Nature Lunch & Learn full schedule and details, visit
clevelandmetroparks.com/community.
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