Summer Nature Program

The Centennial Valley Association, in partnership with Lima School District #12, began the Summer Nature Program in 2018. Our program is designed for K-8 student age groups, with an emphasis on outdoor learning opportunities. The Summer Nature Program brings in a weekly volunteer speaker to present on a topic that is related to the landscape around Lima or Montana, during the summer months of June – August. The speaker typically presents on their topic of choice for 45 minutes to one hour. The presentations provide interesting and fun facts about the topic, how the topic ties into the students’ surroundings, and involves an interactive lesson. The interactive lesson includes hands-on animal handling, “show and tell”, or a demonstration activity typically held outside. The remaining time is dedicated to students doing a topic-oriented project or craft activity, which they bring home to share with their families, further enhancing the learning process.

Goals of the Program:

Provide a hands-on, interactive summer programming option for students and families.

  1. Increase awareness of outdoor surroundings, encouraging more outdoor activity.

  2. Increase knowledge of native flora and fauna in Southwest Montana.

    • Understanding and identifying the pros and cons of certain species on the landscape.

    • Understanding and identifying how to share the landscape with other species.

  3. Increase knowledge and understanding of agricultural practices on the landscape.

We have covered topics such as Pollinators, Ground Squirrels, Native Wildflowers, Rainforest Animals, River Otters, Bats, Beavers, Rangelands and Soil, Montana Owls, Invasive Species, Montana Insects, and Reptiles and Amphibians. We have also brought students into the Centennial Valley to assist the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service with duck banding and to go on a wildflower hike led by staff at the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

Our program wants to thank all the volunteer speakers we have had! We have had speakers from the University of Montana Western, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Beaverhead County Extension Office, Beaverhead County Weed District, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and the Montana Land Reliance. Our program would not be possible without your generous time donation!