In an effort to record our many and varied nature experiences, we’ve created quite a few themed natural journals since I started this blog – including a backyard field guide, a bird book and a family adventure journal. But none have had much staying power. Which is why I’ve asked my nature friend, Barb of the Handbook of Nature Study, to stop in and share her sage advice on … [Read more...]
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count
Coming later this week to backyards, parks and skies everywhere is the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a four-day event that runs Fri., Feb. 14 through Mon., Feb. 17, 2014. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada. Anyone anywhere in the world can count birds for at least 15 … [Read more...]
Reader Favorites: Top 10 Nature Crafts for Kids
I make no claims to be particularly crafty. But like most kids, The Explorers are huge fans of crafts. Thankfully, nature and crafting go together nicely, making my job as the family’s Lead Crafter a little easier. When it comes to nature crafts, I aim for activities that don’t require much more than natural materials we can find right in our own backyard. In addition to … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Nature Activities for Kids
Last year’s 9 Valentine nature crafts for kids post was a big hit around here. So I figured you might be interested in seeing some of the amazing ideas that have surfaced around the web since then. Here are some of my favorite Valentine’s Day nature activities for kids. 1. Nature rocks: A random act of kindness Heart rocks can be fun to make and give away. Or add a twist … [Read more...]
Winter Backyard Astronomy for Kids
With winter’s shorter days come more opportunities to explore nature at night. Heading outside and looking up at the night sky for a few minutes is one of the simplest ways for you and the kids to make a nature connection right in your own backyard. Photo by Jonas Wiklund Don’t panic if astronomy isn’t your thing (it’s not mine). You don’t have to have all … [Read more...]