Hadley-Things at Katie Pearsall’s job tend to get a little bit wild.
As this summer’s new Outdoor Explorer guide at Metamora/Hadley Recreation Area, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pearsall, an orchestra teacher during the school year, said she is excited to share her passion for the outdoors with others. Programs include information on outdoor cooking, ways in which animal defend themselves and a lesson on singing frogs. To the later, Pearsall hopes to bring some of her own musical knowledge, blending her love of music with her love of nature.
The explorer program ‘helps kids learn why it’s important to be outside,? said Pearsall. ‘And why it’s important to have parks.?
Six classes in the program, each about 45 minutes long will repeat throughout the summer, likely until August. Registration is not required, and participants may come and go as they please.
‘I have a lot of big plans this summer,? said Pearsall.
Pearsall said she prefers a hands-on approach to the lessons. Instead of just talking to kids about frogs, Pearsall would rather have kids try to a frog.
‘In this day and age, there’s a lot of video games,? said Pearsall. ‘But there’s nothing better than being outside, using your imagination. It’s a lost art.?
To preserve that art, Pearsall said she and her co-workers focus much of their effort toward getting families to discover the park.
‘It’s great to see them outside,? said Pearsall.
Another class involves learning about the food chain and the importance of balance and wildlife management.
Nature hikes will be ongoing throughout the year, providing the opportunity to discover trees, insects, birds and flowers, as well as various animal tracks. Pearsall said those track may come from any variety of mammals, including; possums, rodents, skunks and deer.
There is also a variety of other wildlife at the park, such as fish, turtles, frogs and snakes.
Pearsall said the classes are not only for children.
The outdoor cooking class, for example, is aimed at the adult crowd.
In that class, taught several time throughout the summer, participants will learn to cook a variety of foods over a campfire.Pearsall will give instruction on how to prepare things such as: hobo dinners, caramel apples, brownies, tacos, eggs, one pot spaghetti and mud puppies.
‘They’re things that can be done quickly,? said Pearsall. ‘These meals aren’t going to be too long to put together.?
Classes regarding the fishing basics and safety will be taught throughout the summer. People of all ages can learn about baiting and casting.
Pearsall said she hopes the program proves to be not only educational, but inspirational.
‘People don’t necessarily just make things happen, but they act as a catalyst. If I, as an Outdoor Explorer can inspire one or two people, it will spread outward, ‘said Pearsall.
For Pearsall, that’s the best part of the job.
‘Getting people to be excited about being outside, and inspiring passion for it.?