Nature Connection

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 88 - Write a Nature-Inspired Poem

Have you ever heard of a Triante poem? Todays challenge is to use this poetry structure to write a poem about your sensory experience in nature. In a Triante, the first line has one word, the second line two words and so on. In this particular poem, each line will also represent one of the senses.

Here’s how it works:

1. Line one - one word (title)

2. Line two - two words (smell)

3. Line three - three words (touch)

4. …

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 87 - Breathe With A Tree

Research shows that deep breathing can reduce stress, improve immune function and reduce pain in the body. A recent study in Japan shows that being in an area with lots of trees can have a similar stress reducing effect. Trees give off chemicals called phytoncides which strengthen the immune system when you breathe them in. Todays challenge combines these two powerful techniques to promote mental and physical well being. Take time to co…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 86 - Build a Shelter (Fort)

There are many types of shelters - some are more complicated and some are very simple. Some use only natural materials, while others use synthetic cordage and tarps. While there are strategic methods for building weather-tight shelters, it is also fun to create your own, however you feel drawn to do so. It doesn’t need to be anything more than a space to play or be in. Shelter (or fort) building without any instruction allows creativit…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 85 - Look for Butterflies

Today, go outside and look for butterflies! Notice what flowers they are attracted to and how much time they spend at each flower. Observe their travels and how high they fly or how they flutter with the breeze. How many butterflies can you spot today?

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 84 - Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Going on a scavenger hunt can be a fun way for people of all ages to engage their senses and expand awareness of nature’s abundance. Slow down, pay attention and see what you can find.

Try to find:

1. An oak leaf

2. An acorn

3. A maple leaf

4. A birch tree

5. A smooth rock

6. A twisted stick

7. An animal footprint

8. A bird’s nest

9. A pinecone

10. A fern

11. A mushroom

12. A cloud that looks like an anim…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 83 - Establish a Sit Spot Outside

Today we challenge you to locate a place that can be a designated Sit Spot outside. this place should feel safe, comfortable and ideally be a place you can visit daily or a few times a week. It may be a spot on the ground under a tree. It could be a rock by a stream. Perhaps it’s a grassy area in your backyard or even on your front steps. If you are not able to get outside, making a comfortable space by a window overlooking th…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 82 - Forage Red Clover

Red Clover (Trifolium pretense) is an edible and medicinal plant. It is known as a blood cleanser and deoxer in the herbalist community. Blossoms and leaves are used in tea and tinctures. As food, red clover leaves and blossoms are added to salads, soups and sauteed with vegetables.

Your challenge today is to locate red clover in an area where no pesticides or herbicides have been sprayed and collect some of the plants. Be sure you have …

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 81 - Make Pounded Flower Art

Today’s Challenge is to use the natural pigments of leaves and flowers to create a piece of process art. This is fun for adults and kids alike, and can produce beautiful results.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Start by going on a walk or visiting your garden to find leaves and flowers to work with. You're looking for things with bright colors that aren't too juicy or too dry. It'll take a little trial and error to find good plants, so …

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 80 - Look for Animal Tracks in the Mud

There is abundant wildlife all around us, but unless we are really looking, we don’t always see the signs of them. Today, see if you can find a muddy spot, dried up stream bed or sandy spot and look closely for wildlife tracks. If you don’t have a naturally occurring spot, you could make a mud puddle or smooth sandy spot, put out some bird seed and see if any animals walk through. Deer, coyote, fox, possum. raccoon and rab…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 79 - Paint with Water

For today’s challenge, grab a couple paintbrushes, a small cup of water and head outside to do some water painting! Kids love this activity, because they can paint just about anything and their artwork will last just long enough to enjoy before it disappears. Try painting on tree trunks, rocks, the front steps, sidewalk, fence or the side of your home. Have fun!