Jeremy Misale, an owner of Discovery Central, leads a nature-related aquatic activity. The Marquette-based preschool is offering a new branch of programming called Discovery Central Adventures. (Photo courtesy of Discovery Central)

MARQUETTE — Marquette has many natural features unique to the area — Presque Isle Park, the Lake Superior shoreline and wooded trails, to name a few.

To take advantage of these features and educate youngsters at the same time, Discovery Center, a nature-focused, play-based preschool in Marquette, is introducing a new branch of programming called Discovery Central Adventures.

Holli Langlieb, an education specialist with Discovery Central Adventures, called the new programming “100 percent outdoors, uniquely adventurous and distinctly Marquette.”

According to discoverycentral.org, its programs aim to foster a love of learning, a positive foundation for later education and a drive toward creativity.

“In order to accomplish this, we make use of the natural beauty of Marquette County, our regularly updated knowledge of the way children learn, and our passion for creating individual bonds with children and families,” the website states.

Discovery Central owners are Sarah and Jeremy Misale.

Langlieb said the new programs, whose purpose is to get people outdoors in Marquette, are for all ages and families.

“This program really immerses our children and our families this summer into discovering the world out there that is Marquette,” Langlieb said.

For example, she said youngsters will learn the best place to find and safely handle frogs, lift up logs, look an ecosystem, and discover Marquette’s diversity and focus on how much it has to offer — its beaches, forests, swamps and bogs.

Summer Adventure Camps have three sessions: June 20-24, “Scales & Tales,” for youngsters ages 5 to 7; July 18-22, “Science of Yuck,” ages 8 to 10; and Aug. 1-5, “Animal Homes,” ages 5 to 7. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

Toddler Trail Adventures, described as “slow-placed” adventures for toddlers, run from 9 to 9:45 a.m. June 30, July 28 and Aug. 18

Family Fun Adventures run from 6 to 7 p.m. June 29, July 20 and Aug. 17.

Families can take a guided hike and then play a nature-inspired activity to strengthen the family bond, according to Discovery Central Adventures.

Bicycle Beach Adventures are set for 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 17, July 29 and Aug. 26. Youths ages 10 to 12 will bike along paved paths, with a Marquette beach the destination. Each trip will include a cold treat as well as a beach clean-up.

Little Ones Stroller Adventures are scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. June 7, July 12 and Aug. 16. These sessions are for youths up to age 2 and their caregivers.

Registration now is underway. For details and pricing, visit facebook.com/dc906 or discoverycentral.org, or email discoverycentraladvengtures@gmail.com.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.