Bringing Children to Nature

​Three days in May brought new experiences to third grade students from Ruby S. Thomas Elementary School in Las Vegas. Red Rock Audubon raised money through silent auctions to fund busses for field trips. Working with Clark County School District School-Community Partnership Program, field trips to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve were offered. The funds were made available to Title I schools and the third grade classes from Ruby Thomas were selected from a number of applications.

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve staff and volunteers from Red Rock Audubon provided a variety of fun and educational activities. Children played Bird Bingo and learned about various birds. They took part in an interactive bird migration game and learned about the many challenges birds face. They explored the Preserve with RRAS guides and saw birds, rabbits and lizards. For many of these students this field trip was their first experience out of their urban environments.

All of the students seemed to enjoy their visit. The group was engaged and respectful, and excited to observe the nature around them. Red Rock Audubon is also excited to be influencing the next generation of conservationists, particularly children from underserved communities.

​The City of Henderson has been a wonderful partner of Red Rock Audubon. As a result of our efforts to bring children to the Preserve they have provided additional school busses to provide more field trip opportunities to schools this past year.