The event was led by Riverside History and Nature Center Curator Ron Bouldan. After leading them through each of the rooms, the kids were given free will to explore. The exhibits were hands-on experiences, giving the kids the opportunity to feel the fur of numerous animals local to Minnesota. These included bobcats, wolves, snow leopards, and jackrabbits.

Popular with the kids were a sloth plushie that repeated what it was told and a collection of fake scat from the different animals on display. As the kids picked up each piece, Bouldan told them what animal it would have come from.

Bouldan has used “touch, dont just look” as a way of introducing kids of all ages to the different parts of nature since Riverside opened in 2009.

“They love it. They want to know what they can do,” he said. “They really have been incredibly appreciative of the fact the kids can come in here and do things and not be told ‘Look, But Don’t Touch’. I like to give a stern look and say ‘all right, what do you suppose the first rule is?’ And they’ll usually say, ‘Look, don’t touch’ and I say no, just the opposite. I’ll be disappointed if you don’t touch this stuff. Just do it carefully and gently.”

Kindergarten Kickstart kids gather around as Curator Dan Bolduan showcases a sloth at the Riverside History and Nature Center. The sloth listened to what the kids said and repeated it back to them.

Bouldan said the goal of hands-on wildlife education has continued to be the same as the range of animals have expanded. Over the years he has been impressed with the knowledge youth have.

“The goal was to keep it mostly Minnesota River Basin. Then I expanded to all of Minnesota,” Bouldan said. “Now I have several things not found in Minnesota but they have relevance. Like I’ve got a skull from a water buffalo and they’re compared to bison. Most of the kids know they are bison [in Minnesota] and not buffalo, which I can’t say the same for some adults.”

Georgia Sellner was one of the kids who enjoyed the experience. Her favorite part of the experience was feeling the different furs. Pelts were available for students to look at and feel as well as taxidermied animals. Her favorite animal was the jackrabbit.

Riverside History and Nature Center is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Those looking for more information on Riverside can contact Bouldan at 507-766-5770 or visit www.newulm.com/visitors-community/things-to-do/attractions/riverside-history-nature-learning-center/.

Questions about Kindergarten Kickstart can be directed to the Washington Learning Center at 507-233-8300