By DANA STANTON
USD 489 Early Childhood Connections

The preschool students of the USD 489 Early Childhood Connections Hays program got to experience nature up close through their own Sternberg Museum Critter Time on Monday.

Staff and volunteers from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History presented information and live specimens to the students.

Sternberg naturalist Alicia Gaede coordinated the activity that included hands on experiences with a king snake, toad, baby mice, walking stick and Madagascar hissing cockroach. Five different presentations were given to more than 120 students, ages 3 to 5.

“We are so appreciative to Sternberg Museum for bringing their critter time to our students,” said Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Connections Director. “Activities like this spark an early interest in wildlife and science. Seeing these animals up close and personal help our students learn to appreciate and respect wildlife.”