Second Nature
Below you’ll find excerpts from articles written by our staff, that are published each month in the Parent Express.
If You Feed Them… Nov/Dec 2023
You don’t have to go far from home to observe wild animals. Just set up a bird feeder! A little information about birds’ habits and preferences will help you decide which menu items and serving dishes to offer up! Read the full article HERE! * Extra challenge: What is the bird that the PE editor included pictures of in the article? Could you see one of them at your bird feeder this winter?
Bug Safari, July/Aug 2023
Some of my most vivid memories of childhood summer days involve the discovery of insects. In fact, when I want to remind myself of the feeling of wonder that defines childhood, these are some of the memories I reach for. Read the full article HERE!
There’s Treasure Everywhere! Nov/Dec 2022
Since this is the holiday season, and a season that invites bringing the outdoors in to decorate, here you will find simple instructions for turning the treasures of a winter walk into a wreath. Bundle up and head out with… Read the full article HERE!
Bats, Sep/Oct 2022
While autumn officially begins in late September, October brings sights and smells of the season. One animal commonly associated with October is the bat. Why do you think that is? Read the full article HERE!
Magical Plantago, Jul/Aug 2022
You’ve probably walked by this plant every day and not noticed it, or you may have tried to rid your lawn or sidewalk of it thinking it was a pesky weed. But don’t be so quick to weed this magical plant out. Read the full article HERE!
Dandelion Delight, May/Jun 2022
April showers bring May and June flowers. One of the early flowers of spring is the sunny dandelion. They give forth a welcome splash of yellow as they pop up in lawns and through cracks in the sidewalks. Read the full article HERE!
Spring Shifts & Vernal Journals, Mar/Apr 2022
The vernal equinox falls on March 20th this year, marking the beginning of spring. On this day the poles of our earth are not tipped toward or away from the sun, and day and night are of equal length. Read the full article HERE!
Winter Ways, Feb 2022
Even though sometimes it may feel like winter will go on forever, don’t forget that the days are getting longer which gives you more time to explore the wonders of this season outside. Read the full article HERE!
Bringing in the Green, Nov/Dec 2021
As the beautiful ice and snow begins to arrive, this is the season when tradition invites us to find the green in nature and bring it indoors. One of my favorite ways to do this as a child was to make a terrarium, or a miniature forest in a jar. Read the full article HERE!
Traveling Seeds, Sep/Oct 2021
Are you ready for the coming winter? Plants are getting ready! Deciduous trees are dropping their leaves and herbaceous plants are sending forth seeds to wait for next spring. It’s the perfect time for a seed safari! Read the full article HERE!
Symbiosis Scavenger Hunt, Jul/Aug 2021
The summer is marching on, and everything is abuzz with life! Though it can seem like each creature is on it’s own personal quest for food, or a mate, or light, or water, there are intricate connections weaving these separate organisms – including us – together into an ecological whole, more than the sum of its parts. Read the full article HERE!
Animal Awareness, May/Jun 2021
Exploring our senses can foster our connection to the world around us. The more aware we are when outside, the more we will notice the presence of what is around us. If your senses are really alert, maybe you’ll notice the animals that are hiding and watching you. Are you ready to turn on your animal senses? Read the full article HERE!
Art in Nature, Mar/Apr 2021
Our emotions are inherently tied to the seasons and spring is the perfect time to be creative, coming forth from our winter shell to explore new possibilities. A family-friendly outdoor activity that is perfect for the season and appropriate for all ages is making nature art. Using the earth as your canvas, rocks, leaves, bark and feathers can be transformed intentionally into spirals, animals, towers and abstract shapes. The possibilities are endless. Read the full article HERE!
Tracking Mysteries, Feb 2021
Do you ever wonder how animals move in the wild? What kind of clues should you look for while sleuthing for signs of animal activity? A tracking adventure can answer those questions and more! BEEC offers a tracking primer for families with children ages 6 to 12. Here is a list of suggested activities, helpful materials and recommended books… Read the full article HERE!