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When the weather begins to warm up, turtles are on the move. They may be searching for food or mates. Many of these turtles are females looking for nesting sites to lay their eggs. What should I do if I see a wild turtle? The best thing you can do when you find a turtle …

You don’t have to go to a campsite to go camping. This weekend, set up a tent in your own backyard. Putting up a tent together helps encourage listening skills, cooperation, and teamwork. Your kids will enjoy hanging out in the tent during the day and the adventure of sleeping in the tent at night.  …

Have you ever wondered how animals stay warm when it’s so cold outside? One way mammals stay warm is by developing thick coats for the season. Fur traps air, creating a layer of insulation between the cold air and the animal’s skin. The thicker (and oiler) the fur, the better it insulates. Do you use …

Get crafty this weekend! Head outside and find some smooth rocks  — any size will do! Then set up a painting area, and get started!  Here’s what you need:    Smooth rocks Acrylic craft paints in a variety of colors Brushes Containers with water for cleaning the brushes Paper towels Disposable plate Newspaper   Here’s …

If someone were to ask you to name an animal that hibernates, you’d probably say “a bear.” But for many years, some people did not consider them true hibernators. When animals such as chipmunks and ground squirrels hibernate, their body temperatures drop drastically. A bear’s body temperatures does not decrease nearly as much. And, unlike …

Nature journaling isn’t just for the warmer months! If you don’t already have a nature journal, you can make one with just some printer paper and a few staples. Simply fold it in half and staple it down the side. Then head outside and start drawing!  Not sure what to include in your journal? Click …

This week, talk about condensation! Some good online resources include: “Dew”. National Geographic  “Condensation”. Geography for Kids Kids are probably familiar with finding condensation on a window or drinking glass. But they may not have thought about finding it in nature. Go out early in the morning to find examples of condensation on grass, leaves, …

Join the Outdoorosity Backyard Adventure Reading Challenge and explore ten fun things to do in your own backyard this summer!  

It’s the first day of spring! And while it’s not a typical spring season, it’s still important to get outdoors. During these days that seem uncertain and challenging, spending time in nature not only helps fight anxiety, but it offers many other health benefits as well.  You can find out more here.  Below are some …

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

Even if it’s cold outside, you can still go for a run. Follow these cold weather running tips from Road Runners of America.    Image by Capri23auto 

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 …

Have you ever heard a loud chirping noise as you head off to bed? If so, your unexpected houseguest is most likely a field cricket. These crickets can be found in a variety of habitats, such as forests, caves, fields, lawns, and sometimes your home. They can slip in through cracks in foundations and siding, …

Before all the spring vegetation grows back, why not go on a hunt for animal burrows? You don’t even have to go into the woods – burrows can often be found in backyards and around buildings, too! A burrow is a hole or tunnel that an animal digs for security. It might consist of simple, …

If you have a cat that goes outdoors, chances are it’s probably caught a few smaller animals. Our cat once came to the door with a baby rabbit in its mouth. As I reached for it, I realized the little rabbit was still alive. Before I could get it, though, the cat let go, and …

Are the grey skies of winter getting you down? Don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Here are some ideas to get you started:   Try a new winter sport, like skiing, snowshoeing, or snow tubing. Catch a snowflake with your tongue. Have a competition among your family and see who …

The stars you see in the night sky change from season to season, so even if it’s a little chilly outside, take advantage of a clear evening. Not sure what to look for? Check out this page for everything to watch for in the sky during January 2019.

The whole class can be involved in preparing for this activity. First, have the students brainstorm together and think of objects they have found outside. It may be an object they have only seen one time, or it could be something they see every time they go outdoors. Ideas can include animals, tree varieties, or …

‘Tis the season when many children think about sleighs and reindeer. Or should we say, sleighs and caribou?   How They Are Similar Reindeer and caribou are all found in the northern regions of the earth. Besides Alaska and Canada in North America, they also live in the icy regions of Norway, Russia, and Greenland. Both …