Welcome back Planet Stewards! Last month we talked about water quality and conservation and some of the things you can do to protect this valuable resource. I believe our reward was over 8 inches of the wet stuff in one weekend in May! Spring and summer are very important times to keep water issues in mind and to create new habits with your family. We’ll assume it wasn’t your automatic sprinkler running during the recent rain deluge!
Summer is approaching and parents’ thoughts turn to keeping the kids constructively occupied over the break from school. Perhaps you often turn to nature and the environment for the answer, but if not, this summer might be a great time to start. The “no child left inside” movement offers compelling evidence of the benefits of more time outside for our kids—and not just playing sports or hanging out at the pool. Kids who learn about nature begin to care about nature and this might just be critical for solving our environmental issues. Studies show that kids who spend time in nature are often happier, healthier, and perform better in school. A walk after dinner; a night hike to see bats (helping to reduce those pesky mosquitoes) and the night sky; a Saturday morning hike on the Cross County Trail or at one of our many wonderful, nearby parks; a visit to Hidden Pond (Springfield) or Hidden Oaks (Annandale) Nature Centers; a row boat rental at Burke Lake Park—all of these are chances to slow down and appreciate the natural world right here in our county. And, most are free—don’t dirty the house, and help your kids sleep better at night! If you have fears about the outdoors, educate yourself—a little preparation for the summer in terms of a hat and insect repellent go a long way!
In addition to casual observations of nature through a bird feeder, insect jar, or even a visit to the new Smithsonian Butterfly Pavilion, you and your family can become more active and “give back” through citizen science projects or by developing your own backyard or balcony wildlife habitat. A great place to start is on the National Wildlife Federation website. Click on “Outside in Nature”, then “Play and Observe Outside” to learn about Green Hour, the Great American Backyard Campout, or Frogwatch USA, just for starters. Or try “Garden for Wildlife” to learn about how easy it can be to certify your space as a wildlife habitat. Squirrels, butterflies, and birds welcome! Other favorite websites that suggest citizen science projects or student’s activities include the National Zoo, Audubon Society, and Cornell Ornithology Lab. White Oaks 6th graders are involved in a project to construct, place, and monitor bluebird nesting boxes on school property. We may need help with summer monitoring. Ask me for more details!
Summer is also a great time to put kids in charge of an improved family recycling program, a pint-sized home energy use audit, an outdoor compost pile or a worm composting bin, a few pots of veggies or herbs—the list is endless. Maybe a nature class or camp could be substituted for one of last summer’s activities. Vacations can include stops at parks and unique natural habitats. The library is a wonderful source of nature related non-fiction reading and inspirational nature stories, and you could read them outside!
We all know that our actions speak louder than our words. When we stop to admire a bird, catch a lost “inside” insect and let it go, or help a box turtle across the street, we are sending a powerful message to our students about the interdependence of the many forms of life on our planet. Summer is a great time to take some next steps. Go outside and have FUN!
May 18, 2008
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