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Make your own sun-catcher  wind chime!  Things you will need:  Contact paper Scissors Marker or pen Rings from mason jar lids String A sturdy stick Then follow the directions on this page!    Image by M W 

This week, you can make your own seed bombs! A seed bomb (also known as a seed ball) is a ball of clay that contains compost and seeds from native plants, especially wildflowers. The mixture of clay and earth holds in moisture. It also helps protect the seeds from being eaten by animals before they …

Black Balsam Knob is  one of the most popular hikes in Pisgah National Forest. The “knobs” are rolling hills of brush and bald patches, stretching as far as the eye can see.

This project will have you designing, building, and playing on your own mini putt-putt course, either in your yard or even inside your house. Look around for objects you can use to construct the course. The items can include: cereal boxes  buckets, bins, and other containers gift bags jars boots plastic cups books Almost any …

Here’s an activity that will give both you and your children something to do while socially distancing yourselves from others. Create a treasure hunt for your kids that takes them both around the house and through the yard. First, choose what the treasure will be. It could be a tasty snack. It might be a new …

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 …

It’s almost the official start of spring! If the weather’s warming up in your are of the country, take a walk this weekend — barefoot!  Going barefoot outside has lots of benefits; here’s just one article explaining some of them.     Photo by anitapeppers

You may be thinking, “What 29 year old spends her Saturday afternoon building a solar pizza oven?” Well, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leigh Ann, I love crafts, I love a theme, and I love to eat. I work for Duke Energy as a Public Relations Associate and I’m tasked with educating …

It’s time to start planting flower bulbs for summer blooms! These can include (but are not limited to) begonias, dahlias, gladiola, and elephant ears. For more information on planting summer bulbs, click HERE.    Photo by lisaleo

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 …

There are a number of venomous snake in the United States, and one to watch out for is the copperhead. But that may be easier said than done.  Copperheads live in areas from the Florida panhandle up to Massachusetts, and west to Illinois and Nebraska. It is copper-colored to reddish-brown with hourglass-shaped cross bands. It’s …

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

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 

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 …