Back to Nature

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Take a stance against the busy world! Unplug yourself and your children. Go out of doors. The natural world teaches children about science, spurs their creativity and allows them to explore and learn responsibility for the environment. Nature also has a calming effect, reminding us to slow down and enjoy the small wonders of life.

Enjoy the outdoors at least one time each week:

• Climb a tree.
• Watch the moon grow every night.
• See what animals and objects cloud shapes make.
• Take a walk and look for different animals.
• Build a stick fort.
• Go camping or pitch a tent in your backyard.
• Roll down a grassy hill.
• Take a canoe trip down a lazy river.
• Make a leaf bouquet of different colors, sizes and shapes.
• Turn off home noisemakers such as the dishwasher, dryer and computer. Open windows to listen for what sounds you hear.
• Bring the outdoors in! Decorate your house with plants and flowers.
• Play I spy in your backyard.
• Toss rocks in a creek or park pond and notice the sounds and ripples.
• Lay on a blanket and count stars and find constellations.
• Visit a pick-your-own farm, pumpkin patch or apple orchard.
• Hike in your nearby park or greenway.

Explore the gifts of nature and rediscover your sense of wonder in the natural world.