Nature programs in December will give children and adults alike the chance to celebrate nature.

Hannibal Parks & Recreation interpreter guide Gale Rublee will lead the programs. “These activities help connect people, in particular children, with nature and outdoor experiences and broadens the awareness of the benefits children gain from spending time in the natural world,” she said.

  • The Wonder of Snow will be 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.  Why does it snow? What shapes do snow crystals take? Explore the wonder of snow and make a snowflake mobile. The event is indoors but some time will be spent outdoors depending on the weather.
  • Solstice Trees will be 2-3 p.m. Sunday Dec. 22 at Riverview Park, starting at Shelter No. 1 by the playground. From Christmas trees to the Yule log to noticing the different shapes of trees without their leaves, trees are part of our winter traditions. Come for a winter walk to observe and celebrate our tree friends ending with a warm fire. It will be an easy walk along paved roads.

Rublee has more than 25 years of experience as a nature educator. She is a founding member of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists chapter in Hannibal and is coordinator and teacher for the Bluff City Theater Youth Education in Theater Initiative.

The nature programs are free but reservations must be made by calling Hannibal Parks & Recreation at 221-0154 or emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.