Saturday, Sept. 15, is Audubon Community Nature Center’s next Nature Play Day, now free through grant funding. Accompanied by their favorite adults, children ages two to eight can be creative, explore and have fun in Audubon’s Nature Play Area, while a naturalist is available to answer questions.

The Audubon Community Nature Center will host its next Nature Play Day on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Children ages two to eight and their favorite adults can drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to noon at the Nature Play Area. It is an open house format so those attending can stay as long as they like.

At Nature Play Days on the third Saturday of the month, young children are free to be creative with what nature provides and a few additional supplies from Audubon. Extra materials that change with the weather and season are placed in the play area, and a naturalist is present to answer questions and provide information. Unstructured play outdoors is beneficial to a child’s physical and mental development as well as their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Unfortunately, concerns about safety, location, materials and the value of play are often barriers in creating these experiences. This program aims to inspire both kids and adults to make discoveries and feel more comfortable about the natural world through play.

Adults are required to stay with their children, and they may want to bring a chair, snacks and water or a drink.

Those attending should be prepared to play outside and wear clothes and footwear that can get wet and dirty. Parents may want to bring an extra change of clothes or a towel for the car ride home.

While Nature Play Day is planned for rain, snow, or shine, in the case of severe weather, the program will be cancelled; call 569-2345 to confirm.

The program is supported by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Legacy Funds from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and is offered free of charge.

Reservations are appreciated and can be made through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. The three-story Nature Center contains interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop; building hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m .Sundays.

The 600-acre wetland preserve with more than five miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, and Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle, can be visited from dawn until dusk daily.

For more information, call 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org.