Ft. Worth author teaches children about nature in a unique way

Flash back to 1969 when strange sightings of a furry, scaly, white creature lurking around Lake Worth brought people by the carload out to see if they could catch a glimpse of the Goatman. Forty years later, the urban legend has become a part of local history. In 2009, Ft. Worth celebrated the first Lake Worth Monster Bash at the Ft. Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Many came out in search of the Goatman and enjoyed a day of music, stories, history, and nature.

Local author Stephanie Erb debuted her children's book, Cam the Man Hunts for the Spooky Goatman, at last year's Monster Bash. The book, which was an instant hit with young and old, tells the story of a boy who explores the Nature Center looking for the Goatman and learns about nature along the way.  Since last year, Stephanie has been busy!

"Since last year's bash I have been reading Cam the Man at libraries, schools, and bookstores. Outside of my focus as an author, I have an event planning business."

She has also been working with the Ft. Worth Nature Center, encouraging children to explore the outdoors and learn about their environment in fun ways. "Children can benefit from their experience at the Fort Worth Nature Center simply by sparking an interest in the outdoors.  There is a saying 'Train up a child in the way he should go and when he get's old he will not depart from it.' That's my goal in working with the Nature Center.  I want to nurture an interest and appreciation for nature for future generations."

When asked about her motivation for both the book and her work at the Nature Center, Stephanie said, "Passing on local legends to children is important because it provides a sense of belonging to a community.  As a child I moved around alot, but never could answer the question 'Where are you from?' until I moved to Alaska and learned about the Alaskan culture, traditions, and folklore.  It became a part of who I am today. I want to share Texas culture with all the little Texans I have the opportunity to read to."

The Monster Bash was so popular last year that another is being held for 2010. Activities will include many from the previous year, including tours, canoe rides, musical guests, storytelling, and much more. This year will also include goat hair spinning demonstrations by Mea Stone of Stonywoods Farm.

2nd Annual Lake Worth Monster Bash
Date: Saturday October 2nd, 2010
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Ft. Worth Nature Center & Refuge (directions)
Cost: Admission to the Refuge is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children ages 3-17. The Bash has no admission fee, but certain activities have a charge*.

Stephanie Erb will be autographing copies of Cam the Man Hunts for the Spooky Goatman at the Bash. She is currently working on illustrations for a sequel starring Cam the Man and his adventures with a black swallowtail butterfly visiting the Henrietta Creek Apple Orchard. The book does not currently have a publication date.

*For a full schedule of events and fees, view the Monster Bash Flier or visit the Ft. Worth Nature Center & Refuge online.