INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center held its annual Family Science Day on Wednesday, attracting youngsters ages 8 and up for activities centered around scientific assessments of local environmental health.

“It's really nice to see young children interested in local environmental issues,” said Heather Segale, UC Davis Education and Outreach Coordinator. “We've had a good turnout and the kids have been eager to learn.”

The day's activities were centered around a book called “Environmental Detectives,” developed by educators at University of California, Berkeley.

Children were asked to use various scientific methodologies to solve environmental mysteries. In the process, they learned a thing or two about Lake Tahoe and what needs to be done to ensure it remains healthy.

Jan Hrindo, 7th-grade life sciences teacher at Incline Middle School, collected more than a dozen local students who were interested in learning, despite it being winter break.

“The activities are really fun for the kids and it gives them an opportunity to learn about things going on right in their backyard,” Hrindo said. “They're really interested.”

For more information regarding upcoming community events at the center visit www.terc.ucdavis.edu or call (775) 881-7566.