DENISON, Texas (KTEN) - This Saturday marked the very first year of Eisenhower State Park's "Explore Nature Day".

The event was utilized as an opportunity for kids and parents to not only have fun, but also learn about what nature has to offer.

"There is a lot of different things that they can come and take an interest in. Hopefully, it can bring the community together and be something for Denison to come do that is something different," said the state park's interpreter Lindsay Stroup.

Teams of volunteers from the areas naturalist organizations put up classroom-style booths to provide children chances for hands-on learning.

By engaging in outdoor activities such as fishing, seed planting, and even fossil excavating, the intention was to ignite interest in outdoor occupations.

"I had a life-long passion in nature when I was younger, and so that is something that has followed me throughout my life. I'm hoping that if they don't pursue a career in it, they will be a life long naturalist so they can help preserve nature in other ways," stated Stroup.

Volunteer Matt Delozier from Texas Master Naturalists emphasized the value of early exposure to outdoor experiences.

"We talk about environmental education, which is great - but people have to get out and experience to really love and take care of it. It's not just about talking about it, but it's actually getting kids outside and playing with outside world," said Matt.

Explore Nature Day is aimed to become a yearly tradition at the park.