MMRG kicks off family outreach with bonfire, storytime

MMRG Education Coordinator Kari Lygren leads a recent guided walk for families. (MMRG photo).

Moose Mountain Regional Greenways announced on Tuesday a new initiative designed to introduce young people and families to the importance of land conservations.

The new program, called 'MOOSE-ies for Families', with have its first event - a Family Bonfire Storytime - on Oct. 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The new 'MOOSE-ies for Families' program has been developed by MMRG Education Coordinator Kari Lygren working with MMRG's volunteer Educational Outreach Committee. Committee Chair and Board member Lorrie Drake, a retired biology teacher, is enthusiastic about the program.

"We're excited to connect with families in the region and explore the outdoors with budding naturalists," she said recently.

The Family Bonfire Storytime kick-off event will feature an evening of stories, campfire songs and games for kids led by Lygren, Drake, Middleton pastor and MMRG volunteer Tom Gardner, and other Educational Outreach Committee members.

Healthy snacks will be provided.

A rain date is set for Oct. 28. Future 'MOOSE-ies for Families' activities, already planned for 2018, include 'Little Trackers' snowshoe walk on February 24, 'Ponding with Sally Cornwell' on May 19, 'Rail Trail Scavenger Hunt' on June 23, and 'Family Moonlight Walk' on September 22.

'MOOSE-ies for Families' stands for Members Only Outdoor and Social Events for Families, with a play on the 'Moose' in our organizational name, Moose Mountains Regional Greenways. For interested families who are not current MMRG members, the membership requirement is fulfilled with a $25 per household per year membership donation; the program of six 'MOOSE-ies for Families' activities per year is free, including MMRG's annual Woods, Water & Wildlife Festival in August. If the membership fee is a financial burden, families can inquire of Executive Director Patti Connaughton-Burns about available scholarships by calling (603) 473-2020.

Preregistration is required to participate in the 'MOOSE-ies for Families' activities. For more information, directions, and to pre-register, please call Lygren at (603) 978-7125 or email info@mmrg.info. Sponsorships of the 'MOOSE-ies for Families' program or scholarships would be welcome; please contact Connaughton-Burns.