Don’t let Punxsutawney Phil’s recent prediction of six more weeks of winter get you down! Most of North America is experiencing its warmest winter in years.
If it is cold in your neck of the woods, remember my motto for getting outside: Keep it simple and have fun!
Since last month’s 10 ways to explore nature in January list was such a hit, I thought I’d make it a regular feature – along with the free printable. Print it, post it and cross the items off as you go. And don’t forget to add your own ideas to the list!
1. Try animal tracking.
Animal tracks are much easier to see in snow and mud than at other times of the year. Do a little homework to discover what local animal tracks look like before you head outside.
2. Do some backyard bird watching.
This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count takes place on Feb. 11-17, 2012. Your task is to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event.
3. Create a “nature” Valentine.
I’m waiting to unveil The Explorers’ Valentines until tomorrow, but I can tell our project involves rocks. Here are a few inspirational ideas for creating “nature” Valentines worth checking out.
4. Make sand angels.
Sure, it’s fun to make sand angels at the beach. But if you can’t get to one, the sandbox at your local park works well, too. (Of course, snow angels are fun, too!)
5. Have a winter picnic.
Who says summer should get all the fun? Eating outside in the winter is an extra-special treat. Keep it simple by skipping a full meal in favor of a snack. And don’t forget to dress for the weather.
6. Go on a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt.
Liven up your usual nature walk with a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt, where spotting hearts in nature is your task.
7. Grow something indoors.
We recently joined the Dinosaur Train Nature Tracker’s Club and this month’s challenge is to make a terrarium. It only requires a few simple ingredients you can find right in your backyard.
8. Practice a nature-inspired random act of kindness.
This month’s idea? Paint hearts on a handful of rocks and place the rocks in places where people will discover them. We hope our heart rocks will make someone’s day just a little brighter.
9. Go nest spotting.
Bare, leafless winter trees make for easy nest spotting.
10. Visit a new-to-you neighborhood park.
Earlier this month, The Explorer’s discovered their own “dark forest” at the outermost edge of a park we visited. What might your explorer uncover?
Need a few more ideas?
- Read 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
- Check out my Winter Outdoor Activities board on Pinterest.
- Download a FREE copy of the Nature Rocks Winter Activity Guide.
Your turn! What’s your favorite way to explore nature in February?
