The Power of Nature in These Days of Isolation
We know from research that even in the best of times, spending time in nature can decrease stress, sharpen attention, improve physical health (reducing blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension), decrease pain and increase immune function. During these stay-at-home days, nature can offer constancy, bring solace and inspire wonder and awe. Being outdoors encourages pretend play and exploration, too. Since April 22 is Earth Day's 50th anniversary, this is an ideal time for your family to rediscover the natural world, whether on walks, in a nearby park, or your own backyard.
--- Jenny Friedman, Executive Director
ACTION
Being outdoors allows us to care for others--- and our planet. Outside, we can teach our children to fall in love with the earth--- the first and most important step to becoming environmentally conscious. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Clean your Neighborhood. The large Earth Day cleanups have been cancelled or postponed, so have your own! Pick up trash in your neighborhood or local parks --- while maintaining a safe distance from others and taking standard precautions (like wearing gloves).
Go on a hunt. Nothing is more fun, or makes us more observant, than searching for objects in nature. Try our scavenger hunt or create your own. Display your treasures (sticks, rocks, shells) outdoors, creatively arranged on a tree stump or clearing, or indoors in egg cartons, glass jars, or on various plates.
Grow plants. Plant vegetable or flower seeds; they're relatively cheap and are available at local hardware stores (if they're open) or online. Anything works for a pot, even an empty roasted chicken container or a milk carton cut in half. If you're lucky enough to have outdoor garden space, transplant your seedlings when the weather gets warm.
Take an award-winning photo. Have a budding nature photographer? Anyone 13 or younger can submit a photo to Ranger Rick's ongoing photo contest. Give it your best shot!
Sing in the rain. Discoveries await in all kinds of weather. Walk barefoot, splash in puddles, get dirty, look through a magnifying glass, make mud pies, create fairy homes from twigs, pine needles and bark, lift stones to see what's underneath, camp in your backyard, climb a tree, dig a hole, make birdseed cookies or just sit quietly and observe together.
Hoist a wheelbarrow Are there neighbors or friends who could use assistance with yard work? Your family might rake, mow, or plant. Just ask how you can help.
Practice outdoor learning. Studies indicate that children pay better attention and retain information more easily when a class is held outdoors. Plus they like it more! So consider moving some lessons to your porch or backyard.
TALK
Ask questions that invite curiosity about nature:
What kind of bird do you think that is? What do you think it eats?
What are you hearing? Smelling? Seeing? Feeling?
What signs tell you it's spring?
Name three of these things you see: green (or black or red) things, prickly things, tiny things, etc.
If you could grow anything you wanted in our garden, what would it be?
If you could ask that bug (worm, squirrel, butterfly) anything, what would it be?
BOOKS
Our Heal the Earth and Nature Lovers collections list fantastic picture books about our planet and how to protect it. Also consider downloading free digital magazines from Ranger Rick.
INSPIRATION
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
--- Khalil Gibran, Lebanese-American writer, artist, and poet