School may be out for summer, but there’s plenty of opportunity for Oak Harbor youth to learn a thing or two about the natural environment.

A new pilot project called Junior Naturalists aims to raise awareness of critical environmental issues such as water and air quality, resource conservation and wildlife habitat, said Cathy Rosen, director of public works.

The monthly environmental education program at Freund Marsh and Fort Nugent Park will be taught by Oak Harbor environmental educator Maribeth Crandell with the help of WSU Beach Watcher volunteer Tillie Scruton.

“We hope it’ll encourage a healthier lifestyle for kids and their families,” said Crandell, who previously taught outdoor education at the Olympic Park Institute and Maxwelton Creek Outdoor Classroom.

The classes will focus on learning through hands-on games and include a 30-minute community service project.

The Junior Naturalist Program received an enthusiastic, green-thumbs-up after its presentation to the Oak Harbor City Council earlier this month.

“I’ve participated in and observed several of your projects and I’m impressed,” Councilman Rick Almberg said.

The Junior Naturalist Program caters to kids 10 to 14 years old and will take place June 26, July 16 and August 20 at Freund Marsh from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Maribeth Crandell at 279-4762, or mcrandell@oakharbor.org.

Sign up, it’s free

Learn about the salmon life cycle, the value of wetlands and the uses of native plants in the first session of this three-part summer series of free outdoor classes. Reserve your spot before the class fills. Call 279-4762.