A Crawly Celebration: Bug’s Day at Koobs Nature Area

Each October, the Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael opens its gates for a family‑friendly extravaganza: Bug’s Day, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month. In 2025, that falls on Saturday, October 4—an ideal chance for little scientists and curious families to don explorers’ hats and dive into the micro‑world beneath our feet.
Koobs Nature Area is a 4.7‑acre nature preserve, lovingly maintained by the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael. The site is named after Earl J. Koobs, a longtime local science teacher, and it features ponds, a creek, and native plants teeming with life. It’s a hands‑on outdoor classroom right in the center of Carmichael.

On Bug’s Day, the theme is simple—but endlessly engaging: insects! Families can expect science and art activity tables inspired by bugs. Think flagella‑in‑the‑sand sensory bins, leaf rubbing stations, and craft corners where kids can sculpt beetles or buttercup butterflies. All are free and open to the public, reflecting Koobs’ goal of accessible environmental education for the community.

One anecdote from past years: young Emma approached a magnifying‑glass station under the shade of a native oak and exclaimed, “Look, I can see the ants marching!” Nearby, her brother collected discarded exoskeletons as “trophies”—a badge of scientific pride for a second grader. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club patiently helped parents navigate the preserve’s trails, pointing out dragonfly larvae in the pond and ladybugs crawling on wildflowers.

The event’s structure is both laid‑back and intentional: a four‑hour window of unscheduled discovery inside a curated space. Parents note that the trail loops are short enough for toddlers, and shaded benches dot the paths if a snail‑hunt turns into a nap break. Bug’s Day isn’t just about insects—it’s about imagination, connection, and nature literacy rooted in place.

By sunset—or more likely the very enthusiastic 2 p.m. closing—you’ll leave with a paper insect mask, a hand‑drawn bug guide, and maybe the beginnings of a backyard critter journal. Koobs transforms into a labyrinth of antennas, wings, and tiny legs—and every child walks away with fascination in their pocket.