ELLSWORTH – The inaugural Trimbelle Nature Day was such a success last year, that Ellsworth Public Library Youth Services Program Coordinator Caroline Herfindahl decided to make it an annual event. The second annual field day will be held 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 at Trimbelle Recreation Area.

The library’s summer reading program theme this year is “All Together Now,” so activities will play off that idea. The event is open to all ages with no need to pre-register.

“The activities will center around exploring ecosystems, like nature together,” said Herfindahl. “Focusing on water, sun, plants and animals.”

Several different stations will be scattered throughout the park, including a food web activity with yarn, sun art using cyanotype paper to make prints, a loop hike/scavenger hunt, a story walk celebrating Pollinator Month, and learning about animals and symbiosis. Kids will be able to see what it’s like underground by crawling through a special tunnel containing little doors. And of course, no summer event is complete without the option to play with bubbles or draw with sidewalk chalk.

“It’s our hope to keep doing this event every summer to get kids outside and connected to nature,” said Herfindahl. “It also shows people that there are places nearby to get away. There are so many mental health benefits to getting outside.”

Special helpers will include Retta Isaacson from Pierce County Land Conservation, Rainbow Barry representing Trout Unlimited, and St. Croix County environmental educator Aleisha Miller.

Trimbelle Recreation Area is located at N5154 County Road O, Ellsworth. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.