Evergreens 

The calendar is full of wacky days and celebrations. Believe it or not, Friday is "Look for an Evergreen Day". Evergreens are beautiful. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing but they are loaded with sensory devices that target exploration. Their prickly needles offer a unique touch and their crisp smell brings back memories of the past. If you look closely at the colors that encapsulate the evergreens, it could easily fill up an artist's easel. 

Of course evergreens are most prominent around holidays but one great thing about evergreens is that they are with us through the whole year! They add festive cheer to our houses during the winter and take center stage outdoors until spring and summer. A fun activity to do with pine trimmings is to use them as paint brushes. Dip the needles in paints and watch the patterns appear!

  

Time to Unwind 

This time of year can be very hectic. All this peace and joy and love is exhausting! This week take some time to just be. No need to fill your time with complicated crafts or projects, those are always fun, but sometimes you just need to unwind and let your brain put your thoughts in order. Don't think that "me time" means "alone time". Last week a group of friends and I took solace in hiking in the tranquil landscapes of the Smokies. We spent time hiking along trails, reveling in the beauty of the mountains, telling stories, and reminiscing. It was quite rejuvenating. When I got back to the hustle and bustle of work, I felt ready to face the week ahead of me in stride.

Don't forget children need to take time to de-stress too! Children these days are showing higher levels of stress and anxiety. Studies show that being around nature can help to alleviate these symptoms and even raise test scores. I challenge you to encourage young people (and yourself) to get outside at least 30 minutes or more a day. See if there attitude changes, you might be surprised on how much more relaxed you feel.

Hey nature club! We are coming up on our next nature outing soon. Saturday, December 13th we will be joined by renowned birders to look for birds in Cleveland Park. Winter is a great time to observe birds because of the denuded foliage. While the species in the area is lower because of migration patterns, we expect to see some fancy feathers. If you have not RSVP'd for the outing next Saturday, you can do so here. 

If you are not a part of the Greenville Zoo Nature Play club you still have time to register for the club in order to RSVP for the hike by next week. Visit the zoo's website to register for the Nature Play club. 

Winter Outing

Date: Saturday, December 13th

Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Location: Cleveland Park

                150 Cleveland Park Dr. 

                Greenville, SC 29601    

Don't live in Greenville, South Carolina? Find a Nature Club for Families near you with the Children & Nature Network.

As we remember one of the most famous harvests in our nation's history it makes me think of the people that enjoyed that first Thanksgiving. They were people that worked hard and truly knew what it was like to depend solely off their backyard, which makes me think, why can't I?

Growing your own veggies can be a great way to teach your children about nature and about where food comes from. While it may already be too chilly to  plant your seeds, there are still ways to get into the gardening spirit. Use this winter to build a compost bin to throw scraps, leaves, and other compost-ready materials into. 

What is compost? Compost is decaying organic matter used for fertilizer. It is a process that can be done right in your backyard by even the most novice of gardeners! Simply throw in organic materials, be sure to stir the pile regularly and before you know it...PRESTO! Your very own fertilizer that will enhance the quality of your garden. Since composting is such an easy process, anyone can do it, even your little ones at home. If they were anything like me, they would love to stir the pile and learn about the "magical" growing qualities that were brewing in its depths. This is a great way to connect children to the outdoors, teach them important lessons about sustainability, and perhaps even challenge their physical limits. 

For some more composting ideas and how to make your own composting bin check out this!

15 Inspiring Homemade or DIY Compost Bin Ideas and Plans

Shadow Races

With the shortened days, it is easy to see the changes that light makes on the world around us. In a way, shadows are moving faster that they would in the summer. This week try to see how fast shadows move. In the morning take note of where the shadow from your favorite tree starts. Throughout the day check on your tree's shadow, is it moving faster than any of the other trees' shadows? With the sun going down earlier and the nights getting longer, it should be easy to see a whole day's worth of Shadow Races in your own backyard.

Also try this! In the morning, stand on the sidewalk or driveway while someone traces your shadow. Come back to the same spot at lunch and before dinner. Trace your shadow again each time to see how the shapes change throughout the day. 

If your backyard is anything like mine, is there is a thick carpet of beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves. There are leaves everywhere! Leaves are a sensory jackpot. Their crunchy sound as you step on them, the soft crinkle when you pick them up, and the gentle flutter as they fall to the earth. They all compose together to make a symphony of sounds. Even their smell is inviting. To me it smells like a different time. I don't know if smells can turn back time, but the smell of leaves stir such memories as apple picking in my grandma's backyard, or going on hikes with my sisters, and Thanksgivings through the years with my cousins. Colors burst forth from fall leaves, like the vibrant yellow of the tulip poplar and the stunning red of the maples. What an intoxicating sight to see these colors all whirling together! Try picking up some leaves, each one feels different. I may be a nerd for leaves, but seriously, they are cool. They can provide several hours of a wonderful natural escape.

Take some time this week to appreciate the leaves. After all, they won't be here long. Try these activities:

• Make a garland for your door or mantle out of fall leaves 
• Pile the leaves up in your yard to jump in
• Arrange the leaves to make a maze in your backyard
• Paint with leaves
• Make fall bowls

Look for more on this super crafty homeschooling website!

http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2013/08/36-leaf-crafts-kids-activities-for-fall.html

 

Citizenship

Today is a very important day in our country's culture. The right to vote is a right that we as Americans too often take for granted. How can we instill the values of responsible citizenship in our young children? How can a toddler learn to become a respected member of the country when they reach adulthood? That is why I do what I do! We hope that as we lead by example and make a conscious effort to raise our children to be good stewards of their country and their planet, they will lead tomorrow's generation. Children develop a lot of their moral beliefs and ethics when they are young as they watch their care givers. So back to our original question...how? This week, don't stop being a good citizen after you leave the polls. There are tons of other ways to show support to your country! Take time to teach your child about responsibility by picking up litter at a local park. Grab some trash bags and gloves and get out into nature. By taking part in this simple task you can teach your children that it is their responsibility to protect and care for the Earth. It is also a good excuse to play outside after all your hard work is done!

Nature Sock Bracelet

Although fall has been here since September, it is finally settling in. I love the different colors of fall. This week, go out and embrace the season. Use an old sock to cover your hand in. Then, go walk out on a trail, in your backyard, or at a local park. Reach out to feel the leaves, trees, and other wonders of nature. When you get home look at all the treasures that you collected on your sock. You will be amazed at what you can find!

Pumpkin season is here and with it brings delicious recipes and ooey gooey pumpkin guts! I love carving pumpkins, they have such a nostalgic feeling to them; the taste, the smell, the feel, all make pumpkins a very memorable part of fall. Even if you don't celebrate Halloween, or carve out a jack-o-lantern, you can still enjoy the delicious roasted seeds and creamy pies. Use a pumpkin to teach your child about what makes a plant. They can help you to dissect your pumpkin and feel the fibers squish together. While you are elbow deep in pumpkin goop, point out how the seeds are protected by the pumpkin and even set some seeds aside to re-plant to further the lesson on plants.


Want to make some totally delicious tantalizingly yummy pumpkin seeds? Here's how!

You'll need:
One baking sheet
Olive Oil
Pumpkin seeds
Salt

The day before, rinse your seeds and dry them on a baking sheet. This will take about a day.
After they are dried, pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, using your freshly scooped pumpkin seeds, cover your baking sheet with a single layer of seeds. Drizzle olive oil over the seeds and spread them around so that the seeds receive a thorough coating of oil. Next, sprinkle your seeds with salt, however little or generously you want. Now you can pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes use a spoon to shake them up a bit and put them back in for another 10 minutes. When they obtain a golden brown and a crisp look to them they are done! Allow them to cool and enjoy your healthy harvest snack!

Feel free to spice it up! Use any desired spices to create a flavored pumpkin seed. My personal favorites are seasoned salt, garlic, and cinnamon with sugar.

Check out how this girl does it!
http://ohsheglows.com/2012/09/17/how-to-roast-perfect-pumpkin-seeds-easy-crunchy-addictive/

When the Goin' Gets Tough...

I once heard that there is no inappropriate weather, only inappropriate clothing. While I do feel that this is, in most cases, true I do have some chickenish reluctance that prohibit me from exploring the outdoors in thunderstorms or blizzards. So what then when you have a craving for adventure and nowhere to go? Bring nature inside! Here at the zoo we use sensory bins, they allow us to capture elements of the natural world in a structured setting. Yuck, structured...not my favorite word, but sometimes it is necessary. As I look out my window today at black skies and torrential rain, I can't help but think that playing inside is a good idea.

Playing inside can be done in a bevy of activities, from sheet forts to bathtub scuba diving. This week if your weather turns sour, bring the adventure in with a good ole' fashion game of floor lava or utilize sensory bins to keep in touch with nature. Fill a bowl or Tupperware with sand, dirt, rice or any kind of substrate. Then, hide treasures in there for your young Magellan to find. Allow them to manipulate the feel and properties of the substrate. Pour and fill vials for hours of natural fun as the rain sings a soft pitter patter on the windows.

Land Ho!

Monday is Columbus Day which can be pretty exciting. After all, the discovery of a new world is something to get excited about. Columbus came to the New World in a grand boat, so why not celebrate in like fashion? Let's make our own boats! Using natural materials to make boats can become a very good lesson in density and buoyancy. Encourage your little explorer to find a variety of natural materials to sail with. Then head down to the creek, pond, pool, or even a bucket and roll up your pant legs! Use this time of exploration to splash around and test the different properties of nature. Children also can become quite creative when tapping into this day in history by constructing their boats. Making your own boats will fill up a sunny fall day and bring a sense of wonder for the possibilities of what is left to explore. 

Check out the awesome boats that this mom and her little ones made after a rainy couple of days turned a nearby alley into a creek! Diy Del Ray in DIY Kids: Making Toy Boats with Found Objects

Star Gazing

Fall is a perfect time to get lost in the night sky. The cool fall evenings make a great time to cuddle up under a blanket with hot chocolate as you search the skies for familiar constellations. This Friday night, instead of plopping in front of the TV, grab some buddies for a night time scavenger hunt. See if you can spot the Big Dipper, or mighty Hercules. Can you make any of your own constellations?

Visit eNature.com for a sky guide that will help you to traverse the galaxy!

Nature's Concoctions

When I was a kid, one of my favorite activities with my friends was to make potions or perfumes. This was a mesmerizing activity that unleashed magical powers to create anything we wanted. We used leaves, flowers, berries, and any other tantalizing scents. Putting these ingredients in a bowl we mashed them up, releasing their aromas. Naturally, we had to share their smells with everyone and gave our parents and sisters the pleasure of smelling like our perfume for the day. On other days we would trick the invisible troll that lived down by the creek into letting us pass as we offered him a drink of our potion.

Using nature to unlock this activity offered us hours of fun in the outdoors. It also got us familiar with the natural flora. Mom would be so impressed with our perfumes that she would show us the flowers that gave off the most fragrant smells, like the roses and wild honeysuckle. While Dad, knowing that we were good fairies that didn't want to truly poison the troll but only make him fall asleep, showed us which berries might truly be poisonous and taught us to stay away from them. 

Encourage your little ones to explore the nature around your house and express their creativity by gathering the things they like. Together you can learn about the nature that excites them. Check out the National Wildlife Federation's Kids page for some fun ideas, and even learn how to make a Fall Perfume with your little ones. 

Fantasy

     I remember a time in my youth when my life was full of fantasy. I spent hours looking for fairies in the woods. Building forts with my sister so that we could hide from pirates and bandits was a weekly routine. I had the fortune of my best friend being my twin sister, so we were always together...always. Our play never ended! We would go to bed planning our adventures for the next day and pick up right where we left off in the world of make-believe. But how "make-believe" was it? Studies show that play and make-believe are actually valuable parts of a child's development. A child being able to express their creativity is a portal that builds confidence, social and cognitive development, and problem solving skills.
    Playing make believe in nature is even more enriching to children. This is where they develop an empathy for the natural world. While they concoct kingdoms, superheroes, dragons, and explorations, children are forming their own relationship that will forge their path for the future. Think about it...all of us that love nature now, more often that not, spent a lot of time in it as a child. Not just being outside but in nature! the experiences we had in nature as a child helped to establish our morals, ideals, and ambitions as an adults. It is called our ecological identity.
    This week, talk to the pixie that used to run through the fields. Go find the princess that was the ruler of the woods. Challenge the pirates down by the creek, or the troll under the bridge. Encourage you little one's imagination and help it to grow! Building a digital world on a computer game has limitations and boundaries. Not so in the world of make-believe. allow your child to fully embrace their imagination and you will watch it grow over time and remember that it is OK to be swept back into a time of fantasy.


Need some inspiration? Check out Forest Fairy Tales by the Forest Commission: England. Or find out how on Pinterest how to build your own fairy house in your backyard, porch, or even potted plant! Who said you needed woods to play make-believe?

Greenville Zoo Nature Play: A Natural Club for Families

It’s finally here! The Greenville Zoo is proud to introduce a club for families that want to be more in tuned to nature. Maybe you just don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you don’t live near a natural space? Well we are here to help! This club is free to join and will offer seasonal hikes to get your family started. Hikes will be in local parks and natural spaces and lead by various nature enthusiasts. Our first hike will be in Cleveland Park and lead by Master Naturalist Polly Powell on Saturday, September 20^th. Visit the Greenville Zoo’s website to register for the Greenville Zoo Nature Play Club.   

Meet Polly!

“I am a retired teacher having taught science and gifted students for 38 years.  I am the mother of 3 sons and the grandmother of 6 - 5 that live above the Mason-Dixon Line. This makes it imperative that I travel.... a lot!  I became a Master Gardener and a Master Naturalist after I retired and enjoy volunteering for both organizations.  I am married to Allen Powell, Executive Director of the National Technical Honor Society.” 

Being a Natural Teacher

Now that our young ones are headed off to school, I worry that they are not getting enough time outdoors or exploring the natural qualities of the world. Studies show that increased time outdoors helps to lower stress and other symptoms of high anxiety. So if keeping children indoors all day is putting our children’s mental health at risk, what can we do about it? Recently I read an article that gives ways a teacher can become a natural teacher. The article titled THE NATURAL TEACHER, BACKTO SCHOOL: 10 Ways You Can Add Vitamin “N” to the Classroom & Beyond discusses how to use nature in all aspects while teaching, even if you are stuck indoors. I would encourage you to read this article by Richard Louv and even pass it on to the teachers at your school.

Involving schools in nature is important but we can’t expect our teachers to do all the work for us. When your student gets home do you help to foster that love of nature? Invite them to play outside until dinner, or even do their homework under the shade of a tree. Learning does not solely take place between the four walls of a school. Every home is a school, what are you teaching?

Labor day is just around the corner. A time when family and friends relax and have fun! If your three day weekend takes you to a beach, lake or even some much deserved down time in the backyard, try this fun activity! 

SAND CASTLES

I personally can't stand the feeling of dry sand in between my toes...but wet sand is a whole different squishy squashy story! Whether I am on the beach, at the lake, or in a sand pit at a friend’s house, I like to play in wet sand. I love the way it plops back to earth after being released from my hands. Or how about the way it soaks up the sun and warms your body and even gives off some of that heat just after the sun sets? A favorite activity I have is to make the sand my canvas and to draw on it with a stick as my brush. The creative possibilities of sand seem to be as numerous as the sand grains themselves.

 Take this time to teach your young explorer how to be an architect and create castles, forts, or their own Atlantis. All you need is sand, water and a bucket...beach NOT required! Let out that inner sculptor and see what unfolds. Your little one has incredible talent waiting to be unleashed. Let them learn how to manipulate the sand, build structures, and create. This may not seem like much to us, but to a child these types of activities can help to shape their minds and foster creativity.  

Check out these totally radical sand castles to inspire you.

http://www.sandiegosand.com/my-favorite-sculptures.html

Respecting Your Elders

Wisdom is passed down through the ages from our elders and we can learn a lot from them. August 21^st is senior citizens day so let’s take a minute to think about the senior citizens of the earth…trees! Some of the oldest living things are trees. Reflect on how trees give back to us and pass on their wisdom. Imagine if you could hear the stories that trees could tell from the things have seen. What stories would you hear? This week spend some time with the trees. Lay on the ground under their shade gazing at their leaves. Wonder at all the different types of life that they support. See if their shadows make any silly shapes. Trees, big and small, have a wild spirit. These giants are quietly telling us their wisdom, let’s take time to listen. 

Also check out this fun list of the world’s 10 oldest known trees that was put together by the Mother Nature Network. http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/photos/the-worlds-10-oldest-living-trees

Gettin' Down & Dirty 

It can be pretty hot out there and it is important to teach children that they don’t have to run inside when the temperatures sky rocket. Dirt helps to keep animals cool in the dog days of summer so let’s get dirty too! Grab a shovel and a bucket to look for earth worms, or even build a dirt fort for any critters that you find. Pile dirt into a bucket and pour the dirt back out to see how moist and dry dirt fall differently. Even try painting with dirt! Countless colors go into making the earth; you might be surprised about how many you see. Digging in the dirt is so much fun and don’t forget that it is OK to get messy when forming a relationship with the earth. The possibilities for playing in dirt are endless…because dirt is endless!

Water…Water Everywhere!

With all the recent rain showers I couldn't help noticing how fun it is to stomp around in puddles! The way that the water tidal-waves over my bare toes always make me giggle. Let your little one splash in the cool rain puddles. Then maybe go searching for new life in lingering puddles. Frogs and bugs love to lay their eggs in these shallow pools. As you explore, discover how things sink. Use rocks or leaves to toss in a full pond and see what floats. Density is a complex concept for young minds that can be taught in your own backyard. Nature always finds a way to teach us.

Welcome to Naturally Wild! 

It is no secret that children are spending more time inside than out these days. Since when did the couch become the highlight of a child’s summer? I remember a time when kids played outside in their own made up worlds and didn't want to come inside till the street lights took over. I remember a time when the saying, “stay near the house”, was frequently heard. As they became great chiefs, warriors, builders, explorers and artists, children were doing much more than playing. They were discovering, creating, and most importantly…learning. The need for children to play outdoors and engage in nature is becoming more apparent as the generation of iPhones and tablets emerge. So what can we do as a community to encourage the young minds of the next generation to get back to nature? Every week look here for tips and ideas on how to foster that love for nature in your whole family. Whether it be crafts, activities or simple reflections we are proud to help your little sprout grow up to be naturally wild.