Bloomington has launched a new naturalist program series designed to educate families and children about their local natural environment through year-round, free activities. The program emerged from survey data showing residents wanted more engaging experiences in the city's natural areas, according to the program lead.

The initiative takes advantage of Bloomington's diverse natural resources, including the Minnesota River, Minnesota River Valley, Nine Mile Creek, and numerous other large and small natural areas throughout the city. Rather than confining education to traditional classrooms, the program treats the entire city as a learning space, with each natural area serving as an outdoor classroom for different ecosystems and seasonal changes.

The program offers a wide range of hands-on activities. One example shared during the presentation was a "faux sun prints" activity, where participants used watercolor paper and acrylic paints to create white designs on dark backgrounds—a creative way to engage with nature-inspired art.

Program leaders emphasized that the naturalist programs operate year-round because all seasons are important for understanding natural environments and ecosystems. Activities are offered on a free, first-come, first-serve basis, making them accessible to all community members regardless of income. The program reflects the Parks and Recreation Department's philosophy of utilizing the city's natural spaces as educational resources while fostering deeper community connections to local ecosystems.