Blog

Today’s challenge is to learn about and try to locate different natural fire starting materials. Knowing how to get a fire going with only natural materials in your surroundings is handy and potentially life-saving. In a survival situation, being able to build a fire is vital for warmth, boiling water to disinfect, cooking food, and keeping predators away. Even with camping, a fire is often utilized for warmth a…

For today’s challenge, you will need to locate Eastern Hemlock, a coniferous tree (a tree that has cones and keeps its green leaves, or needles, in winter). Once you have located an Easter Hemlock, snip a couple twigs to make tea. Be sure to thank the tree and only take what you need.

Eastern Hemlock has short flat needles, approximately a half-inch in length, with a white underside. The cones are small, about 3/4 inch long. The…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 39 - Get Moving

There has been lots of recent scientific research about how exercise can improve memory, help you sleep, reduce stress and boost your mood. A group of British researchers have found that exercising in nature has added benefits for both mental and physical health. Even five minutes of getting your heart rate up outside can have a positive impact on mental clarity, blood pressure and more.

Today’s challenge is to get outside and get moving. Brisk…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 38 - Celebrate Earth Day!

Today is the 50th annual Earth Day! Celebrate all the Earth does for us and give back by taking time to pick up trash in your yard, along the side of the road or on a hiking trail. You don’t have to go far from home to find a little piece of the Earth that needs some care and attention.

Find a stick outside and wrap it in colored yarn. Create any pattern you like and tuck in some leaves, feathers or thread some beads onto your yarn to decorate the stick. It can make a beautiful, natural decoration to keep in your home or it might be the perfect magic wand!

Our online nature programs include many fun nature crafts and projects like this! Visit Woodland (ages 4-6), Evergreen (ages 7-11) and Ironwood (ages 12-17) …

Imagine that you are an astronaut that has been living in space and you are looking toward the earth, counting the time until your return. Finally you return and have a chance to walk again on this planet. How will it be to walk among the beings of this world? What will your steps feel like? 

Have fun and enjoy yourself as you rediscover the joy of walking and being on this earth. If you are n…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 35 - Go Bird Watching

There is a whole world of birds around us in the spring, but many of us don’t take time to notice and appreciate them. Today’s challenge is to go bird watching. Go outside, be still for a few minutes and see how many different kinds of birds you can see and hear around you. Challenge yourself to identify as many of them as you can, either by sight or by their song. Allow yourself to be in awe of their beauty and enjoy the moment.

Today’s challenge is to get outside and play hid-and-seek! If you have access to a wooded area, hiding and seeking among the trees can be so much fun. It does help to establish some natural boundaries if the wooded area is large, and especially when playing with children. Enjoy your time in nature today!

Today’s challenge is simple, but one that can bring much peace, relaxation and joy. Grab a book or a few and head outside to read. Bring a blanket and spread it out on the grass or wrap up in your blanket under a tree, or settle into a lawn chair or hammock. Read on your own while the kids play or snuggle up with your children and read together. Enjoy a good book or two while soaking in the sunshine and fresh air!

Nature Challenge - Day 32 - Make a Nature Obstacle Coarse

Challenge yourself to move your body and get fit by creating obstacles with things you find in nature. Balance on a log, jump over pine cones, weave through tree trunks. Make it extra challenging by timing yourself and trying to beat your own time. Be creative and have fun!