A Story Walk™ will be available for families to enjoy on the Scarborough Land Trust’s Pleasant Hill Preserve property from April 22 through May 3. Courtesy photo

In celebration of Earth Day 2021 on Thursday, April 22, a Story Walk™ will be available for families to enjoy on the Scarborough Land Trust’s Pleasant Hill Preserve property. It continues through May 3, according to a press release from the Scarborough Public Library.

The Scarborough Public Library and the Scarborough Land Trust are collaborating to offer the Story Walk™, The Secret Pool, written by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah Raye, and published by Tilbury House, which explains vernal pools accompanied by beautiful illustrations. A Story Walk™ is a series of signs featuring individual pages or a spread of a children’s picture book distributed in order through an outdoor or indoor space, making it possible for readers to walk along and follow the story. Often Story Walks™ have an accompanying activity to encourage healthy movement while enjoying the book.

The Story Walk™, The Secret Pool, written by Kimberly Ridley, illustrated by Rebekah Raye, and published by Tilbury House, which explains vernal pools accompanied by beautiful illustrations. A Story Walk™ is a series of signs featuring individual pages or a spread of a children’s picture book distributed in order through an outdoor or indoor space. Courtesy photo

Visit the Pleasant Hill Preserve, one of seven properties stewarded by the Scarborough Land Trust, on Earth Day or in the days to follow to enjoy The Secret Pool. The Story Walk™ will remain at the Pleasant Hill Preserve until May 3. The Library and the Land Trust encourage families to enjoy the active educational adventure of following the Story Walk™ as a family and to benefit from moving in the fresh air while learning about vernal pools. The Scarborough Land Trust conserves land for people, for wildlife — forever. For over one hundred years the Scarborough Public Library has served as the common ground and heart of the community. Both non-profit organizations embrace and value environmental stewardship. Learn more at their websites, http://scarboroughlandtrust.org and www.scarboroughlibrary.org.

The Susan McNamara Johnson Story Walk ™ was made possible through generous donations given to the Scarborough Public Library in her memory. As a public school teacher, Susan spent her career in elementary schools. She worked to ensure that all students, including those with special needs, had an equal chance to experience the joys of reading. A resident of Higgins Beach, Susan patronized the Scarborough Public Library, where she was always at home.

The Library and the Land Trust have a history of meaningful collaboration — from guest appearances of Land Trust staff at Story Times to author talks and book donations. Launching a Story Walk ™ on Earth Day is a way to demonstrate both organizations’ commitment to environmental stewardship and literacy.

Andrew Mackie, executive director of Scarborough Land Trust said, “The Scarborough Land Trust purpose includes connecting people to the natural world; we are so pleased to be working with such a respected community partner as the Scarborough Library to bring new learning opportunities to families.”

Library Director Nancy Crowell added, “We always enjoy collaboration with the Land Trust. The Library is pleased to be able to share reading experiences with children and families outside our walls. The Secret Pool Story Walk ™ is one of several ways to experience reading without coming into the Library. Another way is to borrow our themed backpacks, which are designed to enhance an outdoor adventure.”

The Story Walk™ concept was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in cooperation with the Kellogg Hubbard Library and the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition.

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