June Nature Walks and The Handbook of Nature Study

Where exactly did June go?  Going into the month I thought it was going to be a slow one.  Ha!  But, between raindrops we were able to get outside a bit, visiting our local parks.  My children and I are always drawn to the ones that are a little outside the city limits.  Walking trails and space to roam is much to our liking.  If it also happens to have a great playground, well, then it gets bonus points.

"Nature study is, despite all discussions and pervasions, a study of nature; it consists of simple, truthful observations that may, like beads on a string, finally be threaded together as a logical and harmonious whole.

Nature study cultivates the child's imagination, since there are as many wonderful and true stories that he may read with his own eyes, which affect his imagination as much as does fairy lore; at the same time nature study cultivates in him a perception and regard for what is true, and the power to express it.  

All things seem possible in nature; yet this seeeming is always guarded by the eager quest of what is true.  Perhaps half the falsehood in the world is due to lack of power to detect the truth and to express it.  Nature study aids both in discernment and in expression of things as they are."

Anna Botsford Comstock

Handbook of Nature Study

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This book was written in 1911 and it's about 2 1/2 inches thick.  The book is not colorful and glitzy, but it holds loads of great information.  The book is divided into 4 parts: The Teaching of Nature Study, Animals, Plants, Earth and Sky.  You can use it as a nature curriculum all on it's own; she has lessons already laid out in the book.  Poems, life cycles, and photos are also included.  I don't know that I would recommend it as a field guide, it's heavy.  But, keep it close at hand for an instant nature study topic or idea.

When I used to mention that we were going on a nature walk I would usually hear some moans and groans.  Now when I tell them we are headed to the park, everyone scatters to grab something for the walk.  Annie grabs her journal and a pen, Sam takes the magnifying glass, Liberty grabs random books about anything to do with the outside world, and Autumn her bird book.  She absolutely is fascinated with owls.  Here is a picture of her showing me the bird she thinks she is hearing.  No matter what the bird's song, she is sure it is a type of owl.  So cute.

The pictures in this collage are from Litzenberg Memorial Woods.  It is a wonderful park with walking trails, but it is also home to the McKinnis House.  Below is a bit of information about it.  To learn more click here.

'McKinnis History: The park area was originally settled by early Hancock County pioneers Charles and Mary McKinnis arriving in 1822 from Chillicothe, Ohio. A log cabin was built first somewhere nearby upon arriving and later replaced by the current McKinnis House. Built circa 1847, the vernacular Greek Revival style home is furnished in a style common to rural farmhouses during the 1800’s.  Charles and Mary raised six children and are buried with other early settlers and family members at the little cemetery known as Indian Green located just east of the park area on U.S. Route 224.' 

There is always something out there to be explored.  Where have you adventured lately?  I don't think you have to go far, sometimes just your backyard, or a walk around around the block.  It doesn't have to be fancy or complicated.  Enjoy your weekend.