A Puddle Stomper leaps into action at the Tualatin River NWR - Photo Credit: USFWS

A group of Puddle Stompers ready to get wet and wild - Photo Credit: USFWS

Puddle Stompers learn about the critters living in moist environments like the underside of logs - Photo Credit: USFWS

Little ones and their parents explored puddles and learned about wet weather during the second installment of Puddle Stompers at the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, January 25th. Aimed at ages one through five, the Puddle Stompers program is designed to teach kids about the wonders of Oregon's wet weather and the plants, animals, and insects that thrive in it. The day began indoors where volunteers led coloring activities, read stories, and sang songs about ducks. The group then ventured outdoors where, outfitted in raingear provided by the refuge, they were led on a guided tour of the refuge and encouraged to jump in puddles along the way. There are four more Puddle Stompers dates scheduled this year: February 7th and 22nd, March 6th and 21st. The event is free but registration is required.