Muddy Sneakers was inspired by Richard Louvs book, Last Child in the Woods, in an effort to teach science in natural settings. Muddy Sneakers Executive Director Lauren Agrella and the past president of The Friends of the DuPont Forest, Gloria Clouse, will present a program describing this program to AAUW on Monday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at the Tryon Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

Muddy Sneakers mission is to awaken in children a deeply felt connection with the natural world, one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. Program participants saw an average 24.8 percent increase in their end of the year science scores.

Currently working with all elementary schools in the Asheville City and Transylvania County School systems, Muddy Sneakers hopes to increase programming to additional schools next year. In 2009, Muddy Sneakers provided programming to 1,329 students with 5,600 student days out in the field in sites such as Hickory Nut Forest, DuPont State Forest and Gorges State Park.

The public is invited to this event and refreshments will be served.