Children ages 4 to 12 and their adult family members are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world during a new outdoor event offered by the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

Sacred Family: Mindful in Nature will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Pettibone Lagoon. Local writer and educator Jan Wellik will lead the workshop. Activities include reading and writing nature poems, creating outdoor art collages and mindfulness exercises.

"As the mother of a young child myself, I know that sacred time together as a family is precious and rare. Yet isnt it the core of life, the heart of what matters most? Wellik said.

The cost is $25 for one adult and child, $5 for each additional person. Register by Aug. 4 at http://www.fscenter.org or by calling 608-791-5295.

Jan Wellik of Onalaska has brought her love of nature and writing together for several programs at the FSC. She is a mom, college instructor, founder of the Eco Expressions nature writing program and the author of the Nature Writing Field Guide for Teachers.

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Spirituality Center offers nature workshop - La Crosse Tribune