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Photo Caption: Children exploring for life under rocks in the Delaware River during “Backyard Biology.” (NPS Photo)

BEACH LAKE, PA – Do your children like science? Do they enjoy hearing stories? If so join Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River for another fun season of “Backyard Biology” and “River Readings”! These free popular youth programs will again be offered this summer during July and August.

“Backyard Biology” is a program that teaches children about a variety of biological topics through fun activities. This program is designed for children ages 7 – 12. It takes place every Wednesday from 10:30am to 11:30am from July 6th to August 17th in the backyard of the Zane Grey Museum. This year’s topics include gardening, composting, water quality, water testing, wildflowers, wildlife, the Delaware watershed and much more!

Through stories and crafts the “River Readings” program will allow children to learn about the Delaware River and the many animals, insects, plants, and trees that can be found along the shores of this beautiful river. Children will be exploring all the wonders the Delaware River has to offer.

“River Readings” will be held Thursdays at 10:30am beginning July 7th and will run through August 18th. Come enjoy the shade of the maple trees at the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, PA while listening and learning about the natural world around us. This seven week program is geared to children pre-school aged through second grade.

The first week during “River Readings” children will learn about amphibians and reptiles of the river such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles. The second week exploration of bald eagles and other birds of the river will take place. Insects will be front and center the third week as the park ranger delves into the world of how insects like bees and butterflies, spiders and others are an important part of the environment. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and how we can create less waste and help nature at the same time is the theme of week four. In week five children will learn all about the different types of fish that live in the Delaware River. One of the Upper Delaware River Valley’s largest mammals the black bears will be covered during week six. The last theme in this seven week program is “Night Time by the River” where children will learn about nocturnal creatures like bats, owls and eels.

Come out and join us and learn more about what’s going on in your own backyard! These programs are free of charge and all are welcome. To register for either of these programs or to learn about other educational programs offered throughout the summer call Ingrid Peterec at 570-685-4871 ext. 6605.

For a complete listing of events at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/UPDE, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.