For years, my excuse for not getting out into the wilderness a little more often was "I'm too busy." Then one day I had the brilliant revelation that I will always be too busy. Always.
I had to find a plan, some way of prioritizing and making time for the things that were really important to me. That's when I discovered the concept of weekend adventures. OK, it's not rocket science, but I think this can be almost as great, and it's certainly a lot simpler.
Here's the idea: plan 2-6 weeks in advance, and put your weekend adventure on the calendar. For every few weeks it's a good idea to have a foul-weather-alternative handy, but with a little creativity you can spend a part of almost every weekend outdoors, and not just in your own backyard. I personally type up a chore schedule for my week anyway, dividing my responsibilities between days. Though I'm not the typical "type A," I inherited an irrational delight in crossing things off of to do lists (thanks a lot, Mom!), and this is my way to satisfy that urge. So in planning my weekend adventures, I simply add an adventure for every Sunday (my day off). If I know in advance that my schedule will be busy, I'll put a small one on there, and if I'll have extra time I'll make it a big one, sometimes even an overnighter.
It's almost idiotically simple, but when I've planned ahead we look forward to these outings. This anticipation motivates us off of the couch and into the fresh air every time. Not only do I enjoy just "getting out," but planning has helped me to get to know my area like I never would have before. I still have my favorite hikes, but now I do new ones on a regular basis because I look for them before the last minute.
One great help in planning has been a local tourism guide that I picked up at the bookstore. It has a great listing of free things, outdoor things, indoor things... really all of the things I could have wanted, and all nearby. Other good resources are The Best In Tent Camping guides, Hiking Missouri, or whichever state you prefer.
My husband has vouched for this approach because he lived in Missouri his whole life and had never heard of some of the great places we'd been. My only regret is that I never did this in the other areas I've lived in. We've got 34 weekends left in 2008: let's enjoy them!
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
Weekend Adventures
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
A field guide to field guides
One great way to get involved with the nature around you is to invest in a few field guides. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from pocket pamphlets to hefty bookshelf adornments. Whatever you opt for, most are easy to use, and its amazing how quickly they change the way you walk in the woods.
Once I got a few guides, I didn't just glance over the flowers, trees, and birds. I stopped, payed attention to detail, and looked them up. Several years ago I moved halfway across the country, and while much of the flora and fauna stayed the same, there were plenty of new things that I didn't recognize. I grew up in the Northeast, and was pretty familiar with that area, but here in the Midwest I am continually discovering new and exciting things to look up. Just the other day I was out for a walk and noticed some beautiful spring flowers that grew close to the ground. The top half of each flower was white, and the bottom half light blue. I hadn't brought my wildflower book with me, so when I got home I raced to the bookshelf and identified them as Blue-eyed Marys (in photo at top). That was a new one for me: I knew Black-eyed Susans, but I'd never even heard of these!
Silly? Maybe, but how fun to know just one more thing about the world around me. Just imagine what that kind of enthusiasm can do for kids! Instead of having to answer every question with, "I don't know..." when your child asks you to identify something, with a field guide you can say, "Let's look it up!"
My favorite broad regional field guides are put out by the National Audubon Society, but they are available at most major bookstores. I find them informative without being overwhelming, and they have great pictures with intuitive organization that makes it easy to find what you're looking for.
If you really want to get into things, though, I recommend both the Audubon Society guides and more localized guides as well. Most states have local field guides: I especially like those of Stan Tekiela. They are an excellent size to take hiking, and help narrow things down to the specimens that you are most likely to find in your area. His photographs are excellent, and his personal notes are quite helpful.
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Monday, May 5, 2008
Nature & Science II
OK, this one's easy. But it's fun, and the learning involved can be adjusted to any age level. Get yourself a piece of celery, some Queen Anne's Lace, or a white Carnation. Put it in a glass of water tinted with food coloring. Wait and see what happens...
Need directions? Check out "How to Stem Dye Celery" at eHow.com. Celery is probably your best choice for really studying the plant's cells, as they are large enough to be visible to the naked eye, but the flowers show more dramatic color changes. (C'mon, you didn't really think those green Carnations for St. Patty's were naturally that color, did you?)
While waiting for your results, talk to your children about how the xylem and phloem work in plants, or Google it to refresh the process for yourself. Doing an adult project? Don't worry, plant cells can be complicated enough to keep anyone interested. Have fun!
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Nature & Science
One reason that I think people aren't always excited about getting into the world around us is that they just don't know how much it has to offer. I'd like to dedicate the next several blogs to a few fun ways for kids and adults to learn a little bit more about the world around them.
When I think of outdoor "science projects," the first one that comes to mind is building a scale solar system. One of my favorite memories as a child is of constructing a solar system to scale in my (very large) backyard. My mother made me do all of the calculations myself, but if you want to build a solar system model and you're not trying to practice your math skills, check out this website. All you have to do is enter the size that you want your "sun" to be, and go to it.
Maybe it's just that I'm a big nerd, but this project still holds a lot of appeal to me as an adult. It's a great way to get back that sense of wonder, if only for a few hours.
Cautionary note: after you enter the size of your "sun," be sure to check just how much space you'll be needing for this solar system... you may need to do this at a park!
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Us & Them II
Now for the domesticated animals. The most common fear that I see in adults and children alike is the fear of dogs. Yet dogs are all around us- you can hardly walk down a city street, go to the park, or visit a friend's house without coming into contact with them. Not everyone is a dog-lover, but knowing how to properly interact with dogs can make life a lot easier, particularly if you ever plan on being outdoors.
Here are some great tips that I've borrowed from Wikihow:
- If the dog seems receptive to petting (not growling, jumping and no tail between the legs), then hold your hand in front of the dog's nose with the back part of your hand exposed to the dog, loosely curled almost to a fist (this will keep your fingers from being bitten).
- Let the dog sniff your hand. If the dog looks up at you (away from your hand) you should be safe to open your hand with the palm toward the dog and fingers extended.
- If the dog still shows no sign of aggression, slowly stroke the dog's neck just under the jaw.
- If you have been successful to this point, you may move your hand across the back.
- Be aware that some dogs are "head-shy" and do not like being petted on top of the head. Also some dogs dislike having their hind-ends petted. Any growl, tail down or sudden moves should signal that you need to STOP what you are doing immediately and stand still. No sudden moves of your own.
For example, I own a dog that is head-shy. She likes to meet new people and be petted, but if a stranger approaches her and tries to directly pet her on top of the head, she will dodge away. Her "dodging" is a safe way for her to avoid what she perceives as a threat, but not all dogs will simply dodge. Some may bite out of fear if a person ignores their attempts to avoid this kind of contact. I can always tell a child or adult that is educated on canine body language because they approach following the steps above, and my dog is relaxed and confident.
Canine body language is universal, and generally quite straightforward. That being said, many people think that they are more familiar with it than they really are. For example, most people know that tail wagging is generally friendly and that they should avoid dogs that are growling at them with their hackles up. However, the vast majority of dog bites happen when a dog has given signs to a human that they are uncomfortable, and the human has ignored them, such as in the scenario above.
Fear is a powerful motivator, and if you ignore the fact that you have threatened a dog, you are likely to get bitten, so it is important to pay attention. Very slight tail wagging is a sign that a dog is unsure of its situation. If a dog is licking its chops when there is no food around, putting its ears back, or showing the whites of its eyes and looking sideways, be sure to give it space. All of these behaviors are signs that the dog is uneasy. At this point there is no need for panic- the dog isn't necessarily about to attack, but it does mean that you need to back off and give it some space.
Two good resources on canine body language, complete with helpful photographs, are at familypaws and Wikipedia.
It is extremely important to teach children about dog safety. Showing them pictures and explaining how they should react to these situations is a good way to help prepare them to these interactions. If you decide to take this approach, be sure to do it in a positive manner. Be encouraging, and help motivate kids with sympathy rather than fear: "See what the doggy is doing? He is scared, so we need to leave him alone. We don't want to scare him." vs "Look at this doggy. Don't touch him, or he will bite you." Children need to be informed, but terrifying them won't help!
Some basic rules for kids & adults could be:
1. Don't ever touch a dog that is eating, walk between the dog and its food, or try to take food away.
2. Don't approach or try to touch dogs that are sick or injured.
3. Don't hug dogs- it makes them feel trapped. Hugs mean completely different things to us & them.
4. Don't run, make loud noises, or move quickly around dogs. They can be frightened easily, and their response to fast movements can be fearful or aggressive.
This one for adults:
5. DO NOT leave children unattended with dogs. Kids are unpredictable, and they are often oblivious to the signals that dogs are sending them. Educate children about how to interact with dogs, but don't leave them on their own. The sweetest dog in the world will still bite out of fear or pain, and this is a completely avoidable tragedy.
If you have read the facts and looked at pictures and still are concerned, or feel that you need more help, try contacting a local dog trainer or the humane society. Some trainers and organizations will offer courses on safe dog interactions. They can provide more information and a trustworthy environment to practice your newfound skills.
Dogs are wonderful animals that desire and enjoy human interaction. Owners should take all possible precautions to teach their dogs how to safely interact with humans and to be tolerant of human actions, but it is ultimately up to each of us to ensure our own safety, and that of our children. In this case, education is the best way to ensure that human/canine interactions will be safe and enjoyable. Read more!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Us & Them, part I
Recently I was talking with a friend when he happened to mention that his daughter is afraid of dogs. We had a good conversation about it, which sparked further conversation with my husband on the same topic, which in turn has sparked this entry.
Fear of animals, domestic or otherwise, is a sad thing. Certainly animals can be dangerous, and many people have had bad experiences with them. However, at the conclusion of our conversation, my husband and I were both convinced that a few preventative measures can both help people have positive experiences with animals, and make them more confident.
Any time we are out in nature, we have an increased likelihood of coming in contact with animals. Many people like to take their dogs or horses out on trails, and many wild animals inhabit the areas that we like to escape to. A little "animal 101" can help kids and adults prepare for the inevitable.
Different rules apply to domestic and wild animals. Wild animals should not be approached, whether it's cute little Bambi or a baby bird that seems to have fallen out of its nest. Human interference will often put a wild animal's life at risk. Wild animals that are too comfortable around humans must sometimes be destroyed because their confidence makes them dangerous.
In the same breath, humans are also at risk when approaching wild animals, particularly babies. Often their parents are nearby, and they will go to great lengths to protect their young. Additionally, injured or sick animals can be even more dangerous and unpredictable than healthy ones. If you see a wild animal that you believe needs help, do yourself and it a favor, and contact a trained professional to deal with the situation. However, some interactions cannot be avoided, and this is when a little body language knowledge can go a long way.
Say you're out hiking and you meet a bear. Know that direct eye contact is almost always seen as a challenge to animals, and I can guarantee that you do not want to duke things out. Humans are remarkably resourceful, but your lack of hide, fang, and claw will leave you at a serious disadvantage. I promise.
So you don't want to challenge animals, but you also don't want to become a target, right? Continue to stand at your full stature, and if you are in a group, stand very close together. This will make you seem large enough that the animal in question will think twice.
Finally, your biggest problem is often that you have put yourself in the animal's territory. They use trails too! So, while avoiding eye contact and standing tall, it is usually advisable to back very slowly away, preferably off of the trail if possible. Note that it is important not to turn your back, and not to run. You cannot outrun a wild animal that is attacking you, and turning your back and/or running will often trigger aggressive instincts (particularly prey instincts) that the animal may not have otherwise acted upon.
If an animal does attack, usually your best response is to drop into a fetal position with your hands clasped behind your neck to protect it. No matter what the animal does, PLAY DEAD! This will not ever be instinctive, but it has saved more than one person's life.
But now for the good news: wild animals very rarely want to be around humans, and almost never view them as prey. They will do what they can to avoid you, so if you know that you're hiking in bear country, make a little noise. Talk with partners, sing, or whistle if you're alone. If you're rounding a blind corner, make sure to do it slowly and to make noise. Pay attention to wind direction: if you are downwind, animals won't smell you coming. Education and awareness can do so much to guarantee a positive experience.
Finally, educate yourself about the kind of wildlife you are likely to meet on your hikes. Find out what steps you can take to share the land with them safely. Next post: interacting with the domesticated ones!
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Out is In
So get out there!
The weather is getting better and better, at least in the Midwest. For those of you in cooler climates, use this opportunity to plan for the things to come.
For me, and many others, there is no better way to experience the outdoors than to spend a night or two in it. Camping is rewarding on a myriad of levels: it heightens the senses, simplifies life (if only for a few days), surrounds you with nature, bonds you with your tentmates (sleeping in close quarters has this effect), and gives you opportunities that you simply miss on dayhikes.
That being said, if you're a first-time, or first-time-in-a-long-time camper, it might be a good idea to hone up on a few skills before you hit the trails running. For the first few times, an established campground is a good idea, and if you check your options carefully, it's still usually possible to find a campsite that will offer privacy and nature with your car and flush toilets only a few minutes walk away. Do be sure to check, though, or you may just spend the night cozied up with your 12 less than sober neighbors. Many campgrounds have rules prohibiting alcohol on the premises, and this is often a good way to ensure a quiet, family-friendly evening.
Before you even get to the campground, think about spending a night or two in the back yard, even if yours is a tiny one in the middle of Suburbia. This way the leaky tent missing two pegs that you forgot how to set up can be dealt with before you're forced to rely on it. Similarly, your two-year-old can check out the night time world in familiar quarters, which may just turn out to be a good idea. Troubleshooting goes a long way toward an enjoyable camping trip.
Think about the perks, too. If you have picky eaters, don't spring the freeze-dried ultralight dinners on them yet. You can purchase pre-baked pizza crusts and grill up a homemade pizza for dinner, if that's what it takes to get the family excited. For dessert, make s'mores, or put bananas in tinfoil and sprinkle them with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, pop them in the coals for a few minutes and eat the gooey mess right out of the foil. Whatever the food, make sure it's something that everyone can enjoy.
Finally, plan ahead for the disasters. Take card games for when it rains. Bring extras of the essentials. Make a good first-aid kit. And please, take lots of pictures! This may just be the most fun you've had in a long time!
For more ideas, check out the family camping links at the bottom of the page: you'll be glad you did.
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
I am by no means an Earth-worshiper: I'd have to say that I lean more toward its creator. That being said, Earth Day is a great day for everyone to celebrate the wonderful world that we're in.
If nothing else, it is a reminder to be thankful for our environment, and to possibly think about a few ways to keep it around. Kids are never (well, almost never) too young to involve in this sort of thing. In fact, I think that it's pretty essential to instill an appreciation of nature in them while they are young. So, this Earth Day or any day, try one or two of these tips and feel a little greener:
1. Take backpacks, tote bags, etc. to the grocery store. When the teenager bagging your veggies asks, "Paper or plastic?" just tell them that you've brought your own bags. Repeat as often as possible. Some stores (Whole Foods, Safeway, Price Chopper, Hannaford, etc.) will even give you a rebate (3-5 cents) for each bag you bring & use.
2. Take a 1-liter bottle and fill part way with rocks, sand, or other heavy material. Top it off with water and put it in your toilet's water tank. It will save you if you're paying for water, and it reduces the waste. (Do be sure you've still got 3 gal of water in the tank & Don't try this if you've already got a low-flow toilet. Just pat yourself on the back instead.)
3. Replace old light bulbs with Energy Star ones!
4. Turn off your lights: always when leaving a room, and often even when you are in it. It's surprising how rarely you actually need them. Same goes for computers and other appliances.
5. If you aren't already, start recycling! Every bit of trash that doesn't end up in a landfill is progress. Kids can help set up a mini home recycling center, and sort bottles, cans, paper, etc. to help keep things organized.
6. Take a walk- anywhere- and pick up all the litter you find along the way. (Gloves- reusable, of course- might be a good idea)
7. Use Tupperware, or other reusable containers to pack snacks & lunches instead of baggies and other disposable options.
8. Turn the thermostat down when its cold and up when its hot- humans managed to survive a really long time without climate control! Let's use it wisely.
9. Walk or ride bikes instead of driving. Kids will especially enjoy this adventure, and it not only helps the environment, but it'll help your health too.
10. Fill in the blank:_____________________! Find a way you can help, and go do it.
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Spring Things
It is April- mid April, in fact- and high time to be enjoying the world around us, even if we've recently been hibernating a little more than we ought to!
What better way than starting a garden? (OK, peanut-gallery, no suggestions, just hear me out.)
Whether you live on a farm or in an apartment, gardening on some scale is an option for you, and it can help your four year old learn to eat tomatoes. Or your husband. Or you, if that's a problem!
I'm starting a garden this year in my tiny backyard where I'll be planting beans and carrots, and hoping that our local rabbit population won't get to them first. Because I'm so limited on garden space, I'm also sprouting some "Bloody Butcher" tomatoes that I'll transfer to large pots on my patio as they get bigger. I chose them because they mature relatively quickly (8 weeks!), and because I've eaten them before, and they're delicious! Also, the name alone may help parents of prepubescent boys to get them involved: just imagine, "Hey, son, want to help me with some Bloody Butchers?" Do you really think they'll say no?
Some of my fondest memories as a child are of watching vegetables grow from seeds into plants that I was able to eat from, and I never cease to be amazed by this process. Growing your own veggies is an inexpensive and easy way to enjoy nature just a little bit more. But do look out: it can be addictive!
Here's what you'll need to start a similar project:
Seeds: You can even find packets at most grocery stores!
Cups for sprouting: Peat pots are a great choice, but you can use plastic ones, or anything you can put a drainage hole in. The main advantage of the peat is that you can plant it directly into the soil when you're ready.
Soil: Seed-starting or regular potting soil are fine choices, but do check the label to be sure it's safe to grow food in! You can also use soil from your yard, if it's good quality, or mix it with potting soil to save a little $.
Pots: These should be fairly large, with good drainage holes.
Stakes or cages: This will vary on what variety of tomato you choose, but most good potted choices will need to be staked once they start growing.
Sun: I hope this is self-explanatory.
Water: This should be too, but keep in mind that potted tomatoes will need lots of it!
Getting started:
Follow the directions on your seed packet, and make shallow holes in the center of each sprouting pot. Put several seeds in each hole, cover, water them well, and place in a sunny location. If you have a nice glass cake-stand topper or large clear Pyrex bowl it is helpful to place over the pots to give a "greenhouse effect" to the sprouting.
Most varieties should sprout withing 1-2 weeks. After the sprouts have been up for a few days and have a couple of leaves, thin out the sprouts, leaving just one in each pot. Pull the extra sprouts up very gently so as not to disturb the roots of the sprout you'll leave growing. This may feel a little barbaric, but they can't all grow in there. Such is life.
Transplant the seedlings into large pots when they're beginning to outgrow the cups. Be sure not to put the pots outdoors until after the last frost of the season. Also, it is a good idea to give the plants a chance to adjust to outdoor temperatures by putting them out for short periods of time when it is sunny and warm. This will help them survive their outdoor transition.
After they're outdoors for the summer, be sure to give them lots of water and to provide support with stakes and/or cages as necessary. Keep an eye out for ripening tomatoes, and enjoy!
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First Post
The first blog is always the hardest. I say this as if I am an experience blogger, but that is not the case. However, I find that first things are the most difficult, those experiences being the ones that break us in for more to follow.
My name is Anne, and I am a fortunate adult with parents who taught me to appreciate nature. I am also often struck by the lack of "nature exposure" that children and adults around me have. Because of these things, I am blogging.
This blog's name is a shameless rip-off of Richard Louv's book, "Last Child in the Woods," and if you've not read it, I highly recommend it whether you are a parent, an educator, or just a concerned human being. His book, and other research around the same topic were additional factors that motivated me to write.
It is my desire that you, your children, and those around you all become the "Next Child in the Woods," and I hope that through the links on this site and the upcoming posts, that will seem like more and more of a possibility. Whether you're an avid backpacker or the sight of dirt makes you squeamish, I hope that you will find new and interesting information that will make you think twice about the world around us!
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