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Check
the “Draw a Bird Day” Facebook page for even more bird drawings.
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Draw a Bird at April
Jr. Naturalists
Darke County Parks invites students in grades 3-6 to join them for the
Jr. Naturalists program on Saturday, April 8th from 9:30am to 12pm at
Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville. This
month the students will participate in “Draw a Bird Day” and creating
their own nature journals.
Draw a Bird Day began in England in 1943 when seven year old Dorie
Cooper visited her uncle who was wounded in the war. In an attempt to
cheer him up, she asked him to draw a bird for her. After seeing
her uncle's bird picture, Dorie laughed out loud and proclaimed that he
was not a very good artist, but that she would hang the picture in her
room nonetheless. Her laughter brightened several other wounded
soldiers’ day, and every time Dorie came to visit thereafter, they held
drawing contests to see who could produce the best bird pictures.
Within several months, the entire ward's walls were decorated by bird
drawings. Dorie passed away from an accident a few years later, and
ever since then, those from the hospital remember the little girl who
brought hope by drawing birds on her birthday, April 8th.
Draw a Bird Day was never declared an official holiday, but today it is
celebrated world wide as a way to express joy in the very simplest of
things in life and as a way to help soldiers everywhere forget war and
suffering even if only for a short time. The Jr. Naturalists will
explore nature and enjoy the sunshine while looking for subjects to
fill their sketchbooks with.
The Jr. Naturalists is a series of monthly programs designed to give
3rd-6th grade students hands-on interaction with the natural world and
a look at our current and historical place within it. Hikes, games,
crafts, and service projects are all a part of this exciting integrated
study group. A $3 fee is charged for the program, and registration is
required. Remember to dress for the weather.
For questions about the Jr. Naturalists program or any other park
district programs or to register for the April class, please call the
park office at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.
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