Thursday, January 24, 2013 8:50 am

It’s never too early to open your little ones’ eyes to the natural world. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s new preschool-age nature program series, called Sprouting Naturalists, does exactly this.  Geared to ages 2 to 5, the programs are designed to give young children a better understanding of critters, plants and the great outdoors. Offered the first Wednesday every month through May, each of the Sprouting Naturalists programs offers a different, fun learning experience. 

10am-11:30am, first Wednesday monthly through May.
Kids under 6– $3; Adults– $12; Older brothers & sisters (age 6-15)– $5.50; Adult Annual Passholders– free. Program cost includes one-day Park admission. Advance registration required: Call the Chimney Rock business office at 828-625-9611 to register. 
 
Critter Kingdoms Wednesday, February 6
Houses? Who needs houses when you could live in a burrow, nest or cave? Explore animal habitats and play a fun nature game. 
 
Animals and Their Babies Wednesday, March 6, 2013
We all know that our parents take great care of us, but do animal parents do the same? Notice similarities and differences in adult and juvenile animals. What changes as they grow up? We’ll play an exciting matching game after we become experts!
 
   Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has been recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. The 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock offers guests 75-mile panoramic views. Info: 800-277-9611 or t chimneyrockpark.com.