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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    

‘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 …

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

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 

Do you enjoy crafting? Then 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 

The months have rolled on, and the seasons have changed, but sure enough, COVID is still here. And although everyone’s lives are shaped differently, in various places and at different stages, uncertainty is a collective commonality. I’ll say it: new “normals” are hard. Working from home—adjusting to online college—not being able to turn on the …

It’s the time of year when leaf blowers can be heard throughout the neighborhood. But instead of blowing away all of the fallen leaves in your yard, gather them up into a giant leaf pile. Give some leaf rakes to the kids and let them help, too! Then jump right in and enjoy some old-fashioned …

This week, head outside with paper and crayon (any color will do!) to make some nature rubbings. Take a walk through the woods, in a park, or around your neighborhood to see what interesting textures and designs you can find in natural things likes trees, leaves, and rocks. Then, place your paper over the object …

It’s the first day of fall! Here are 25 ideas to help you enjoy the season!  Create a Nature Discovery Center. Go apple picking. Choose different varieties of apples and try some new recipes.  Go leaf peeping.  Start a Nature Wonder Hour tradition. Find your way out of a corn maze.  Go on a hayride.  Go hiking.  …

‘Tis the season for picking apples! This weekend, visit an orchard and pick your own apples right from the tree. Many apple farms also sell other fruity treats, such as homemade apple pies and donuts, apple jelly, and apple cider.   Photo by kakisky

This week, go out with a friend or family member after dark and take a night hike! Be sure to take along a flashlight!    Photo by colinpithers