Category Archives: Nature

Environmental Lessons from Nature That Children Will Understand

  By Donna DeForbes | November 21, 2013 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
kid-with-bird

This is a guest post by Cathy Warren. Albert Einstein said that it is the supreme art of the educator to awaken joy in creativity and knowledge. As a parent with an eye on environmental awareness and social responsibility, teaching children to love and respect nature can be more impactful when they understand we are all connected in this world. The idea of thinking globally and acting locally will resonate with a child when the projects can go from fun to profound, then back to fun. It is that link between insight and enjoyment where the joy is awakened. We may have multiple economic and environmental reasons why a tree is important but, for a child, a tree is for climbing. This is where lessons on conservation begin. Seeing Nature’s Beauty Creating art projects is one of the first things that a child learns in school. Art teaches more than … Continue reading →

Top 5 Health Benefits of Sunshine

  By Donna DeForbes | October 25, 2013 - 5:00 am | ,
2 Comments
Heath Benefits of Sunshine | Eco-Mothering.com

I just LOVE the smell of clothes that have been drying in the sun: fresh, outdoorsy and warm to the skin. Lately, I’ve taken to hanging my bath towel outside every day, and that dank odor it often acquires has completely disappeared! Why? Because the sun’s rays kill off the bacteria that contribute to mildew smells. This exciting discovery caused me to look into other amazing powers of sunshine. It helps our body make Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for strengthening bones and teeth, supporting the immune system, losing excess fat, protecting the brain against dementia and decreasing asthma symptoms. In recent years (perhaps due to excessive sunscreen usage and increased indoor activities), there is concern among healthcare professionals about a vitamin D deficiency in children. And a 2007 study showed that not getting enough sunlight (vitamin D) actually increases our risk of cancer by 70%! It’s a natural … Continue reading →

Top 5 Outdoor Family Vacations

  By Donna DeForbes | August 2, 2013 - 5:30 am | ,
1 Comment
Outdoor Family Vacations | Eco-Mothering.com

Treehouse Adventure Out’n’About is a unique “treesort” consisting of 36 acres of pasture and woods near Oregon’s Siskiyou National Forest. And, yes, you really do stay in a treehouse. Accommodations range from The Majestree some 47 feet up a Douglas fir (for six people with a kitchenette, loft and private deck) to the smaller Treeloon, designed to look like an Old West-style saloon, to the roomier Swiss Family Complex (a pair of treehouses connected by a swinging bridge). In some treehouses, you can choose to exit by swinging down a rope or sliding down a fire pole! Area activities include treehouse ziplining, horseback riding, river rafting, arts and crafts, hiking, biking and lessons on building your own tree fort. Out-n-About is a family-run, family-friendly unique vacation. The Hills are Alive Fans of The Sound of Music will love visiting this gorgeous site in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Built by … Continue reading →

Keep the Family Busy with an Active and Outdoorsy Summer

  By Donna DeForbes | June 25, 2013 - 5:30 am | ,
Leave a comment
outdoor-summer-activities

This is a guest post from Allison Davis. The kids are out of school for the summer! Keep the family entertained and active by embarking on these fun summer activities. Backyard Camping Trip Pitch a tent and pull out the sleeping bags, flashlights and lanterns. If you’ve got a fire pit or portable grill, you can cook your meals over a real fire. Don’t forget the chocolate bars, marshmallows and graham crackers! Sit around the fire at night and tell ghost stories or sing campfire songs while indulging in S’mores. While sitting fireside, play educational games about health such as Kool Smiles dental bingo or download coloring pages from oncoloring.com. Down and Dirty in the Vegetable Garden The North Dakota State University “Food Wi$e” page and the Family Nutrition Program promote hands-on experiences for kids. Gardening teaches kids about science, reading, math, organization and responsibility. Kids may be more interested … Continue reading →

How to Build a DIY Fairy Garden

  By Donna DeForbes | June 11, 2013 - 5:30 am | ,
Leave a comment
DIY Fairy Garden | Eco-Mothering.com

This is a guest post from Jessica Nattamai. Gardens are more than a place to grow food and flowers. They can become an imaginative space for kids to take part in creative play while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Furthermore, digging in the earth allows children to be in immediate contact with diverse life forms: worms, plants and cocoons can all be discovered. Luckily, most children aren’t hesitant to get their hands dirty. All they really need is a little inspiration. Creating a fairy garden is the perfect project to inspire imagination for the whole family. Simply adding stones, small plants or homes turns an ordinary garden into a place of magic! Here are a few tips on making a fairy garden. Collect Your Materials A garden, natural space or a container with a drainage hole (A wine barrel, tin basin, planter or even a salad bowl will work … Continue reading →

Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey

  By Donna DeForbes | May 24, 2013 - 5:30 am | , ,
Leave a comment
About the Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkey | Eco-Mothering.com

The yellow-tailed woolly monkey was once considered extinct. The species was first discovered in northern Peru in 1820; however, between 1926 and 1973, not a single yellow-tailed woolly monkey was sighted, causing scientists to deem the animal extinct. Then in 1974 primatologist Russ Mittermeier rediscovered small groups of the monkey in the highlands of Peru. Still, the yellow-tailed woolly monkey is still considered one of the rarest mammals in the world. (Eco-Mothering was able to adopt one! See the video at the end of this post.) They are named for a distinct yellow stripe of fur. It runs along the underside of their tails and is what separates them from other species of woolly monkeys. Their fully prehensile tail is used as a fifth limb for climbing, eating and leaping (up to distances of 15 meters). They are a male-dominated society. They usually live in groups of 4 to 30 … Continue reading →

NATURESCAPE: Enjoy a Family Hike on New Year’s Day

  By Donna DeForbes | December 24, 2012 - 8:00 am |
Leave a comment

On January 1, 2013, you can take part in the First Day Hikes program in which all 50 state park systems are sponsoring guided hikes. From coastal trails and ponds to mountain tops and prairies, America’s state parks offer a wide range of beautiful naturescapes. First Day Hikes began over 20 years ago in Milton, Massachusetts, to encourage a healthier lifestyle. 2012 was the first time the event was recognized nationally, and it received great response: 14,000 participants logged over 30,000 miles! This year, there are 627 hikes scheduled. The day’s hikes average 1-2 miles and are led by state park staff and volunteers. Find one in your area. This is a great way to begin the new year: getting outside, getting physical and connecting with family. Being in nature reminds me of what’s important. It centers and rejuvenates me, especially in winter when I tend to hole up indoors. A … Continue reading →