For many of today’s children, summertime recreation means playing a computer game, watching television or maybe riding bikes around the neighborhood.
The folks at the Regional Water Authority (RWA) want to change that by offering more opportunities for kids to explore nature. With nine recreation areas located in 13 communities and more than 60 miles of trails through RWA watershed lands, there’s plenty of opportunities to unplug from technology and explore nature’s wonderland right here in West Haven.
As a result of this newly formed partnership with the RWA, children enrolled in West Haven Community House’s Summer Program had the opportunity to visit Maltby Lakes where they went fishing and hiking through the woods as part of the RWA’s “Opie’s World: Tap Into Nature” program.
The program was developed to encourage young people to unplug and get outdoors to appreciate forests, rivers and wildlife. RWA’s Kate Powell, Communications and Outreach Manager, and Shirlon Smigel, Engineering and Planning Assistant, led a group of children on a scavenger hunt in search of insects, plant life, wild flowers, birds and more.
They assisted them in turning over logs and large rocks to discover the wildlife that was hidden underneath. Meanwhile, other RWA employees including Jeff Yale, Alex Amendola, Doug Pepe and Peter Casey taught a group of children how to bait a hook and cast a line. Many of the children caught a fish on their first try.
The excitement on the children’s faces said it all. They seemed to really enjoy exploring nature’s wonders, and the Community House enjoys their partnership with the RWA.
Look for the RWAater To Go Water Wagon at the Community House’s Family Fun Walk on Sept. 24, where they’ll be giving out water along the walk route.