Welcome to Rushton Nature Keepers (RNK)! As you browse through the program schedule brochure and events calendar, you'll see that we take a multi-disciplinary approach to environmental education. Our mission is to inspire a lifetime of caring about and protecting nature by first building a strong holistic foundation spanning four major conservation themes: birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and healthy habitat. The more programs your child attends the better!
PLEASE NOTE:
-This year all programs are drop-off only to limit the number of people in attendance as well as to ensure an independent education experience for your child and to follow safety protocols.
-Event registration is separate from membership registration. Sign-up for each individual event on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up for events, visit the RNK 2021 Event Calendar.
-Waiver forms will be emailed to you after an RNK membership is purchased. Fill out and returned waivers to Blake at your first event. These will only need to be completed once.
-The deadline for RNK membership is Saturday, May 15th.
RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS RESOURCES
RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS
Inspiring tomorrow’s conservationists
Rushton Nature Keepers (RNK) provides youth (ages 7-11) with unique opportunities to develop a meaningful relationship with nature, which will fuel a lifelong desire to protect the environment. RNK is focused on shaping and empowering these future conservationists while nurturing a spirit of discovery and wonder. We offer monthly programs covering four conservation themes including: birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and healthy habitat.
Our Objectives for Your Child:
- Create a conservation ethic by showing the importance of preserving open space.
- Connect personally to nature and foster lifelong respect for the natural world.
- Nurture a spirit of discovery and wonder.
- Refine birding abilities and cultivate a wholesome lifelong hobby.
- Develop observation skills and understanding of science beyond the classroom.
- Recognize the connection of wildlife, farming, and watersheds.
- Understand how people can help create and preserve healthy habitats.
- Appreciate the origins of the food we eat and how nature and agriculture can flourish together.
- Demonstrate the positive role humans can play in the natural world.
- Foster an awareness of how everyday personal choices can help the planet.
RNK Membership is $150 for the first child and $100 for each additional sibling. Membership allows you to register for 2021 program online at wctrust.org/rushtonnaturekeepers. Membership includes a t-shirt, reusable water bottle, nature journal, mask, and tote per child. Programs are drop-off only unless otherwise noted. Waivers will be offered on a case-by-case basis (no questions asked) as we do not wish to exclude anyone based on financial need. Otherwise, membership is required to attend events.
A Rushton Junior Naturalist Certificate will be awarded to Rushton Nature Keepers who attend at least two programs within each of the four themes (for a total of 8 programs). They will be invited to attend the Rushton Junior Naturalist Celebration in November during which prizes will be awarded. Each program will allow time for reflection in a nature journal in which children will receive attendance stamps to document their progress. Each event is designated with icons covering one or more of the four themes (see calendar)*.
*Please note that other relevant WCT family programs or volunteer events may pop up during the year that can count towards the Rushton Junior Naturalist certificate. Members will be notified as opportunities arise.
For more information, please contact Blake Goll at 610-353-2562, ext.20, or bhg@wctrust.org.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS
Looking to stay involved beyond RNK?
Opportunities exist on a case-by-case basis for children 12 and up to get involved. These include service at the farm, working at the bird banding station, helping with watershed study activities, participating in bird counts and stream cleanups, internships, or other projects agreed upon with Willistown Conservation Trust staff. To arrange, contact Blake Goll (bhg@wctrust.org).
Photo: Eva Dillon-Rutledge began as a Jr. Birding Club member years ago and then volunteered at the bird banding station. She has also volunteered for our Bird Box Program, participated in NJ Audubon’s World Series of Birding and recently attended PA’s Wildlife Leadership Academy.
Photography policy: Attendance at Willistown Conservation Trust programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Trust staff if you would prefer that your or your child’s photo not be used.
