information provided by Purdue University Northwest
PORTER, Ind. (April 8, 2020) – Dunes Learning Center has transitioned its education programs to social media and online content to continue engaging and educating children about the natural world. The organization’s social media pages include nature craft tutorials, backyard nature walkthroughs, and a new video series starring Dunes Learning Centers chief naturalist Anthony Escobedo on his hunt for the elusive “Sandsquatch.”
“This is mainly for the kids,” said Escobedo. “We want to provide an opportunity for kids to…be with the learning center in a fun, engaging environment.”
The nine-part series follows Escobedo throughout the Indiana Dunes National Park as he tracks the never-before-seen Sandsquatch, looking for the footprints, scat, and clues it leaves behind.
Escobedo hopes these videos motivate kids to get out of the house and into their backyards, and to appreciate the plant and animal life around them.
“We want to inspire students to get outside,” said Escobedo. “What can kids find in their backyards or where they live? They may not be looking for Sandsquatch, but they can try and track some squirrels.”
Dunes Learning Center plans on keeping nature close to the community. New episodes of “The Search for Sandsquatch” will be posted every Tuesday on Dunes Learning Center’s webpage (DunesLearningCenter.org) and Facebook page (Facebook.com/duneslearningcenter).
About Dunes Learning Center
Dunes Learning Center is a non-profit residential environmental education center and camp devoted to inspiring lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature, even in isolation.
The Dunes Learning Center is located at 700 Howe Road, Porter, Indiana.
