First Nature Walk of The Season and Some Helpful Resources

Heading out for our first adventure.

Last Thursday was such a lovely day, perfect for our first Nature Study walk.  It was partly sunny and warm.  It was a bit windy, 30mph winds.  We didn't really have a specific goal, just enjoy being outside.  Everyone ran, played on the playground, climbed trees and tried to steer clear of the Spring mud.

When we got home we did a little nature note booking. The pages are from the Handbook of Nature Study Spring challenges.  We did a Tree Study, Bird Drawing and Weather Observation.  Spring weather is so crazy that we observed twice that day because the weather is so different from the morning till evening.  

We have been working on learning our neighborhood birds.  Yes, I think I could be a crazy bird person that hangs binoculars around her neck and carries a field guide at all times.  I downloaded a Bird matching game (I'm sorry I can't remember the source), covered them with contact paper and then cut them out.  It is fun to match them up with our Audubon birds.   

Thanks to my sister, I came across this great outdoor website.  There is some great info and videos on feathers.  Fun for all of us :) 

A Way To Garden.com

Follow Sunshine by Channon's board Nature Study: Books & Resources on Pinterest.

Metroparks Wildflower Prairie

About a month and a half ago, before we moved from the Cleveland area, we visited the most beautiful wildflower preserve.  We kind of showed up toward the end of the season, but it was beautiful nonetheless.  the sky was a glorious blue with big fluffy clouds.  The temperature was warm, but not too unbearable.  We made the most of our visit!

Such a beautiful day!

Spending The Afternoon In Port Clinton :: Photo Journal

Happiness Is A Butterfly

As I was browsing the blogs, as I like to do, I came across a wonderful list from Simply Charlotte Mason that I would like to share with you.

Preserving Summer Memories

Summer memories can be so sweet.  My children and I love to pick up fun and interesting objects whenever we spend time outdoors.  We come home with pockets full of leaves, rocks, sticks, shells acorn caps... whatever strikes our fancy.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Waterfalls

This park is just so beautiful!  We hiked along the creek bed from one waterfall to another.   I was amazed at how well the Littles navigated across the rocks and fallen tree limbs.  They would come up against a challenge, and then find a way to go through it.  They walked out of there a foot taller.

We were so surprised to see people swimming down near the falls.  We climbed down and the kids splashed around.. and then promptly fell right in.  They were a bit soggy during the rest of the hike...but no one was complaining.

Annie found a heart shaped rock.  I don't know which one of us was more excited.

There are a lot of ways to make memories as a family... this is one of our favorites.

Peacocks and Appreciating the Nature Right Under Our Nose

Nature study doesn't always have to be found in the country or deep in a National Forest.  Sometimes the most beautiful things can be found in the middle of town.  Over the weekend of the fourth my family traveled back to my hometown to visit with my family.  It has become a bit of a tradition to visit the park I went to as a child, and while there look at all the beautiful ducks and birds. 

Among them are the stunning peacocks.  They love showing off their pretty tales and fancy crowns.  Most of these photos were taken by my teenage son.  It is wonderful to see even the older ones enjoying God's Creation with a genuine appreciation for His handiwork.

What do you drive by everyday that maybe you and your children need to stop and appreciate?  Happy hunting!