ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Kids in Rochester got the chance to learn about nature found right in their backyards.

The Play in Nature event was held on the future site of the Maplewood Nature Center in lower Maplewood Park, which is currently in the planning and development phase.

Local businesses and organizations that focus on environmental education set up hands-on activities and showed kids the nature around them.

“It's important for them to understand at a young age what it means for them to take care of the environment around them" said Jasmine Chastin, the supervisor for Rec on the Move. "We promote kids in nature and get them exploring.”

From water testing, to gardening and painting, each table gave kids a chance to get their hands dirty without even realizing they were learning something in the process.

That's something that was important to one local mother, Clara Mendez. When we she heard about the play in nature event at Maplewood Park, Mendez brought her daughter and her friend.

“Our children can learn more about their own community, know what’s out there and that there’s other things to learn about the outdoors,” Mendez said.