Visitors enjoyed riding the aerial lifts (bucket trucks) up into the tree canopy for a bird’s eye view of the grounds and close up inspection of the tree tops. At the other end of the nature center grounds kids of all ages tested their climbing abilities, aided and coached by professional tree climbers. Experts were on-hand to answer questions about trees and other plants and guests were encouraged to make forest-themed crafts such as woodland streamers, tree cookie necklaces and wooden whirligigs.
Smokey Bear wandered the ground offering tree tips and providing photo ops. Raptor rehabilitator, Lois Auer brought three of her beautiful birds, a Barred Owl, Barn Owl and Red-tailed Hawk to meet and greet visitors throughout the day. The sounds of Native American flute music wafted out from the Nature Center charming both adults and kids.
The festival came to an end with a Paul Bunyan competition where contestants pulled wagons of wood (while pedaling tricycles) and participated in a caber toss.
