PARIS – The McLaughlin Foundation’s children’s program, Backyard Explorers, will begin its seventh season Tuesday, July 6.

The program will be co-facilitated by summer garden intern, Kathlene Audette, and program coordinator Michael Desplaines. The six-week nature-based program, is for kids in first through fifth grades. It will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays except during the last week of July. That week the program will focus on birds and a visit from three live owls from the Chewonki Foundation on Friday, July 30. Due to the rare opportunity to see live owls, adults are invited to register for that program as well.

A healthy snack, hands-on activities and guest instructors are included in the program. To register phone 743-8820.

Fees are: One class, nonmembers $10, family members $8; two classes same week, nonmembers $18, family members $14; full summer tuition for 12 classes, nonmembers $100, family members $78

The Backyard Explorers schedule is as follows:

Week 1 July 6, 8 Seeds to Food

Week 2 July 13, 15 Worms, Bugs, and Compost Commandos

Week 3 July 20, 22 Art in the Garden

Week 4 July 27, 30 Birds and Owls

Week 5 Aug 3, 5 Four Legged Friends

Week 6 Aug 17, 19 Gardens Around the World

For information phone Lee Dassler at 743-8820.