Cleveland Metroparks and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank today announced the return of the Kids Nature Lunch & Learn Series. The partnership program connects youth with limited access to Cleveland Metroparks nature centers and programs to free summer learning opportunities across the Park District.
 
Throughout the summer, Cleveland Metroparks team of naturalists will host 30 adventures at centrally located park reservations, near the City of Cleveland, with its mobile nature center, NatureTracks. Educational themes will include hands-on learning about birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians, fish and trees.

“We are excited about the opportunity to vastly expand the partnership this year, more than doubling the number of programs available to these communities,” said Mary Rouse, director of outdoor experiences. “We hope the experiences offered through the mobile nature center and our passionate team of educators will spark lifelong connections for youth with the natural world.”

Each Lunch & Learn will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free lunch will be provided for youth, ages 18 and under, as part of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Summer Feeding program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while supplies last.

“We are beyond grateful to continue our partnership with Cleveland Metroparks this summer,” said Diana Davet, director of programs, Greater Cleveland Food Bank. “Getting much-needed healthy meals to kids who may otherwise have to go without is key to our mission in making sure everyone has the nutritious meals they need every day and we couldn’t do it without the help of our partners.”
 
The Kid’s Nature Lunch and Learn series kicks off June 7 and will be hosted Wednesdays at Euclid Creek Reservation’s Highland Picnic Area, Thursdays at Bedford Reservation’s Hemlock Creek Picnic Area and Fridays at Lakefront Reservation near Edgewater Beach.
 
To view the Kid’s Nature Lunch & Learn full schedule and details, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/community.