Ladybug Nature Walks are a way for children ages 0-6 (and an adult) to explore a local Portland park. Nature educators guide families to notice plants and animals. Walks are child-directed and open-ended. Nature educators walk with the children in small groups. Children learn through questions, observation, and play. Groups move slowly through the park, stopping often. In this way, children have time to notice the plants and animals around them. If we have extra time we might also read a story, sing a song, or use puppets for imaginative play.

Walks last one hour. Content is geared for children ages 1-6. (Infants under 1 year are welcome if they are carried in a sling or ergo-style pack. Please keep older siblings at home.)

Ladybug Walks have some new guidelines to comply with COVID-19 protocols. If you are interested in participating, please read details carefully.

We will be offering two walks each day of programming (except during the last two weeks when the weather is much colder). Please make sure you are registering for the correct walk.

• Walk 1 - 9:30-10:30am
• Walk 2 - 11am-Noon

There are 14 participant spots available for each walk (this number does not include the adults attending).

All children and adults will need to be able to follow these guidelines to participate in a walk:

• Registration is required. All children must pre-register, and the adult attending with the child must be listed during registration.
• Group sizes are limited.
  • Only children ages 0-6 can participate
  • Only one adult per child can attend
• Physical distancing is required. Everyone must stay 6' feet apart from people not living in the same household.
• Face coverings are required for everyone age three and older (3+). If your 3-6 year old is not yet able to wear a mask, start practicing now so they are ready.
• Signed liability waiver is required. A COVID-19 waiver must be completed for everyone during the registration process. (A waiver signed for a child also covers the parent who signs the waiver. Adults who are not the parent will need to sign the waiver once on site.)
• You will be screened for symptoms when you arrive. Our staff will be screening everyone arriving for COVID-like symptoms on the day of the walk. If you are sick, please withdraw from the program to keep others safe. You will receive a full refund as long as you withdraw before the start time of your walk. Withdraw online or contact 503-823-1149 .
• No sharing of supplies or equipment. We will still be providing ladybug backpacks and sanitized tools for each child, but ask that children only touch their own equipment. All supplies are sanitized after each walk and all backpacks rest for 72 hours before being used again.
• Follow general sanitation guidelines. Please have all participants wash or sanitize hands when they arrive, after using the bathroom, and at the end of the walk. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Stay home if you are ill.