Athens Now Archives

Summer Contests And Activities To Celebrate Our Beautiful Planet

By: Lynne Hart

We at KALB understand that to appreciate and value the natural world it must be experienced. Looking at a flower from a distance is not the same as getting up close and seeing the detail. Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is much more exciting than seeing a picture. Nature is truly amazing!

So let’s get our kids and ourselves outside! Here are several activities and contests with prizes for you and your kids:

Gift Bags:

Participants in the Earthy Art Contest, Nature Scavenger Hunts, and the All About Bugs Zoom program will receive a gift bag with items to help them explore nature. Stop by the KALB office (125 East St.) to register and pick them up.


Earthy Art Contest:

Help your kids explore nature and collect items they find along the way that can be used to create art. The finished artwork can take any form: framed, glued to a background, hung, etc. If items used are perishable, the work can be submitted by photo. All artwork must be three-dimensional (3-D). Artwork will be judged and prizes awarded to the top three in each category. The Group/Family category is for those who wish to work on the project with others.

  • Age Categories: 5-7 years 8-10 years 11-14 years Group/Family
  • Prizes in each age category: 1st-$100 2nd-$50 3rd-$25
  • ENTRY DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 15, 2020
  • INFORMATION: KALBCares.com under EVENTS tab

Nature Scavenger Hunts:

Hunts have been created to suit three different age groups. Take the kids outside and let them “hunt” for the items on their list. Each child who submits a completed scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for additional prizes.

  • ENTRY DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 15, 2020
  • INFORMATION/PRINTABLE FORMS: KALBCares.com under EVENTS tab or call 256-233-8000

Guided Walks At Marbut Bend Walking Trail: This walking trail was a cooperative project between TVA and the Limestone County Commission, and is considered A.D.A. accessible with boardwalks and crushed walkways. Leisurely walks will be guided by Damien Simbeck who was involved in the creation of the trail and is extremely familiar with the wildlife that call the area home. Suitable for all ages.

  • Three morning walks at 8:00 a.m.: June 27, July 18, August 8
  • One evening walk at 6:30 p.m.: July 9
  • Participation is limited. Early registration encouraged.
  • INFORMATION/REGISTRATION: Tickets available through Eventbrite.com or by calling 256-233-8000.

Insects and Arthropods Zoom Program:

Scott Clem, Entomologist at the University of Chicago, will provide a 30-45 minute Zoom program about the top 8 orders of insects and arthropods. All ages are welcome. Presentation will be geared toward kids. Each participating child will receive a goody bag with items to help them explore the insect world on their own.

  • PROGRAM: Session one is full. We will notify all registrants of the time and date of a second presentation.
  • REGISTER: Send email to KALBCares@gmail.com with names and ages of participants.

Rain Barrel Painting Contest:

This contest is sponsored by the Limestone County Master Gardeners organization to promote the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve our waterways. All ages are welcome to participate. Top three winners will be selected by the community and will receive cash prizes.

  • DEADLINE: All painted barrels must be presented by July 18, 2020
  • INFORMATION: KALBCares.com under EVENTS tab or call 256-233-8000

Thank You, Sponsors! American Leakless Co., Indorama Ventures, WestRock, In’Tech Medical, Bank Independent, Clem Tire, TVA, Redstone Federal Credit Union, and Aviagen
By: Lynne Hart
.Executive Coordinator – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful