New UA Museum Program Opens up Natural World to Young Explorers

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Young explorers in West Alabama will have an opportunity to delve into the natural world a bit more, thanks to a new program offered by the Alabama Museum of Natural History on The University of Alabama’s campus.

“The Junior Naturalist program is a weekend program that promotes awareness and understanding of the unique and varied natural elements found in our very own backyard,” said Allie Sorlie, museum education outreach coordinator.

The program is for third- through sixth-grade explorers, and it will consist of five meetings, two of which will happen in the spring. The first meeting is slated for 10 to noon Saturday, March 26; the cost is $8. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 205/348-7550 or emailing programs@ua.edu.

Participants will learn how to identify area trees, learn to recognize animal tracks, discover the importance of insects that live in the water and generally become familiar with nature, Sorlie said. The program is based, in part, on the idea of the Master Naturalist program and Junior Naturalist programs found elsewhere in the state. Museum staff wanted to bring that same experience to Tuscaloosa.

“The goal of the program is to connect young explorers with the outside world and foster a love and appreciation for the natural world,” she said. “We hope one day to expand this program to a wider age range to introduce more explorers to the wonders of nature.”

UA’s Alabama Museum of Natural History is in Smith Hall near the Quad at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Capstone Drive on The University of Alabama campus.