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For many of us, a new year means a little bit more than simply breaking out a new calendar.  It provides an alluring opportunity for a “fresh start” and often stirs within us a surge of motivation to become a better version of ourselves than we were in the year before.  Admittedly, I am a …

Take out those nature journals (or just some paper) and draw some winter trees. Because there aren’t many leaves, it’s easy to see the tree trunks and branches. You might draw a close-up of the bark, the roots, or a branch. It’s a good time to study the shapes of various trees, too.   

For many of us, 2020 will be remembered as one of the most difficult and challenging years, and we’re happy to see it go. Yet while we can’t always control the situations or circumstances we have to deal with, there are things we can do to find some stress-relief — including heading outside! Even small …

Looking for a last-minute gift idea? Pull out those rose petals you’ve been saving and make some facial scrub from things you likely already have in your pantry (and create a gift for yourself in the process)! As those of you who know me well or follow me on social media already know, I love …

Is the weather snowy where you live? If so, chances are you’ve made a snowman, snowballs, and even a snow fort. But have you ever made a snow maze? All you need is a yard full of snow and some willing participants to shuffle, stomp, and move through the snow. Need more inspiration? Check out …

Looking for some DIY decorating ideas? You can keep the holiday spirit going by making homemade wreaths. Here’s a great tutorial that uses a wire wreath frame, floral wire, and the greenery you can find outside!     Photo by gleangeanie    

Are you getting ready for Christmas? To help put you in the holiday mood, here’s Outdoorosity’s edition of a classic carol!     On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me: A hammock to hang in my trees.   On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 2 …

‘Tis the season to decorate, and what better way to decorate than with free natural items you find outdoors? This weekend, send the family outside on a pinecone hunt. Then bring your bounty in to create some holiday decorations. Click here for some ideas to try!      Photo by krosseel  

If you live in an area where the weather has turned chilly, consider setting out some feeders for your feathered neighbors. Although wild birds are very capable of finding what they need to eat, providing them with seeds and fruit makes their job much easier. Wondering what to feed them? Check out this article by …

The farewell of fall and emergence of winter for many of us brings wonderful food, family time, and if you’re a college student like me—finals.  By this point in the semester, the mere thought of finishing projects, writing lengthy papers, and preparing for arduous cumulative tests may send you into a spiraling vortex of stress.  …

This week, find a friend or family member and take a nature walk together. As you go, take turns naming things in nature you are thankful for and why. They could be things you see during your walk, or they could be things inspired by what you see. The fresh air and gratitude are sure …

You don’t have to go camping to build a campfire! This weekend, build one in your own backyard. REI has some great tips on how to start a roaring campfire here. Need to build a fire pit? Here are some very simple directions. Even if it’s cold outside, family and friends will be able warm …

One weekend in mid-November, some friends and I decided to hike up to the Chimneys in Linville Gorge near Morganton, North Carolina. It was a bit of a drive from where we started, especially when the pavement slowly turned to gravel, and the potholes became bigger. However, we continued driving up the mountain on the …

Check online for corn mazes in your area. (This site is a good starting point). Then head out with friends or family to give it a try!    Photo by keencarlene

Pumpkin picking, leaf peeping, getting lost in corn mazes — fall is a season full of outdoor activity. But people aren’t the only ones on the go. Squirrels are busy in the fall, bulking up for the winter with extra food and storing nuts, acorns, and seeds for later. Some of these squirrels appear grey …

Your family can celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday all month long by creating a Thankful Tree. Here’s what you’ll need:   Supplies: Roll of brown bulletin board paper, butcher paper, or packaging paper Red, yellow, and orange construction paper or cardstock Markers Sticky tack or masking tape Fall Leaves Pencil Scissors Bags for collecting leaves To Make …

Head out to your local pumpkin patch (or farmer’s market) this weekend, and pick a pumpkin to carve! Not sure what design to use? Look online for ideas featuring faces, words, glitter, paint, and more! Be sure to to save the seeds! Image by M W 

Every child is a scientist in the making. Your young one may not grow up to pursue a career in biology or zoology, but scientific discovery and learning are accomplished daily as your child plays in and interacts with all of nature and the great outdoors.  Through tactile exploration, new information is acquired and tested. …

This weekend, head outside and gather some beautiful fall leaves! Then try out some of the following craft ideas:  Autumn Leaf Art Embroidered Leaf Place Cards   Fall Leaf Book Page Banner  Fall Leaf Crown  Leaf Coasters  Leaf Doodles  Leaf-Printed Tote Bag  Leaf Rock Art Leaf Sun Catchers    Photo by lisalep

This weekend, head outside after dark and search for constellations! Not sure what to look for? Find out which constellations are visible in the part of the night sky you see on In-the-Sky.org.     Image by Free-Photos