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This weekend, head outside and see what types of conifers are growing in your area. Conifers are trees with needles that bear cones. Collect the cones, then use this site to see what kinds of trees they are.  You can even use them to make a pine cone wreath.    Photo by blackbird 

Happy Valentine’s Day! To celebrate, see how many lonely hearts you can find… in nature! Take along a cell phone or camera to record your finds, since you may not be able to bring some of them home.        Featured image by rosamore Leaf of vine by pippalou Rock photo by NDPetitt

It’s time to get out the art supplies! This weekend, bring family and friends together to paint a winter tree! You can find all of the instructions here.    Photo by Pellinni

This activity will help your students become more familiar with the types of products that can be recycled, as well as how to recycle them.  Supplies:  One pair of non-latex gloves for each team of students (such as garden gloves) Trash bags in two different colors, one for regular litter and one for recyclable materials …

Campfires are fun in the winter, too! This weekend, warm up with a backyard campfire! You don’t have to wait until nightfall — if the temperature drops too low after dark, build it during the day. You can roast hotdogs, vegetables, and marshmallows. Don’t forget the chocolate and graham crackers to make some s’mores. As …

This weekend, find out more about your city. Do some research to discovery the legends, stories, and history of your community. Be sure to not only check online, but also look for resources in your local library, visitor’s center, tourist board, and historical society. Some things to find out: Which Native American tribes first settled …

A sundial is a great way to learn about the earth’s rotation. The this article will teach about the topic as well as help you create your own!   Photo by jeltovski

A new year often means new resolutions and new goals. In 2020, set a family goal regarding the outdoors. Some ideas include:  Take a long-distance hike together Learn how to do a new outdoor activity, such as kayaking, rock climbing, or mountain biking Adopt a road and keep it clean of litter Visit a national …

It’s the first day of winter! You may be tempting to stay bundled up indoors, especially if it’s snowing. But you can make the most of the season by heading outside. Here are some activities to get you started. If it’s not snowing in your area yet, start making plans!        1. Go …

Help your kids (and you!) hone their balancing skills! Even if the weather is chilly, they’ll enjoy using a slackline. A slackline is a  two-inch-wide nylon webbing strip attached to two trees with a ratchet tension system. As you practice  walking and sitting on the slackline, you’ll find you’re not just building up core strength, …

This weekend, plant some flower bulbs that will bloom in the spring.  American Meadows has a webpage with a complete listing of spring bulbs as well as a regional planting map to get you started. 

Pumpkin seeds make are a delicious and nutritious snack! So this weekend, roast the pumpkin seeds from your carved pumpkin.  Taste of Home is just one site with tips on how to roast them.    Photo by MaxStraeten

Enjoy the cooler weather of fall by attending a fall festival. Just look online for festivals in your area. Your local library and chamber of commerce may have listings, too. 

Hopefully the autumn season is bringing some cooler weather to your area. You can take advantage of the lower temperatures by hosting a field day in your own backyard or local park. And remember, field days aren’t just for kids! You can invite family members of all ages, neighbors, and friends.  Activities Here are some …

If you haven’t ridden a horse before, this could be the weekend to try! Do a quick search on the internet to find places near you that offer riding services. Then hit the trail with the whole family!    Photo by jade

This weekend, visit one of the 41 Audubon Centers in the U.S. Although they are all a little different, each provides opportunities to learn about birds and their habitats. Click HERE to find an Audubon Center near you.    Photo by davidpwhelan

This weekend, head out to a nearby county, state, or national park, and volunteer to help. You can pick up litter, greet visitors, conduct tours, work at special events, work in the gift shop, or maintain a beach, waterway, or trail. Check out these websites to get started:  US Forest Service Volunteer Program  Volunteer Events …

This weekend, find out just what kind of trees are growing in your yard and around your house. First, create a “map” of your yard, indicating where each tree is located. Next, gather small sandwich baggies to collect several leaves from each tree. Number each baggie with a black sharpie. Now it’s time to head …

This weekend, make plans on how to celebrate the 4th outdoors! You could host a get-together with food and games, visit a new park, go on a bike ride, hike a new trail — it’s up to you! With a plan in place, you’ll be ready to celebrate! 

Now that summer’s officially arrived, celebrate with a splash party! Invited friends and neighbors over to cool off with some of these ideas:  10 Fun Ways to Turn Your Backyard into a Water Park DIY Water Wall  DIY Water Blob Kiddie Car Wash Sponge Bulls Eye Water Gun Cup Races    Photo by lisaleo