Santa Maria Sun / School Scene

Have fun in the creek at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden!

BY AMY ASMAN

Looking for a fun summer daytrip to go on with your kids? Try the “Mission Creek Critters: Family Exploration and Discovery,” a two-hour family-friendly class from 10 a.m. to noon at the Santa Barbara Botanic on Aug. 11

A garden adventure: Families can have fun in the sun at Mission Creek in Santa Barbara with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden on Aug. 11. Participants will troll the creek for specimens to look at under microscopes back in the lab. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN

Stream biologist Diana Kennett and Judy Sanregret, the botanic garden’s director of education, will lead a morning adventure into the riparian creek corridor at the garden. The class is free to garden members and $5 per person for non-members.

“The creek is teeming with life: on the surface; in the water; and under the mud,” Sanregret said in a press release. “This is the perfect opportunity for parents, grandparents, or caregivers to get outside and explore this fascinating habitat with eager young naturalists!”

Using nets and trowels provided by the garden, participants will scoop and dig in the shallow pools in Mission Creek and collect some specimens to look at under a microscope in the lab. Families will also learn about the Mission Creek watershed and the role it plays in a healthy community.

Participants should wear waterproof shoes and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden after class.

For more information or to make reservations, call 682-4726, Ext. 102; e-mail registrations@sbbg.org; or visit sbbg.org.

Registration is required and the class is limited to 15 children and 10 adults.