The Nature Playground

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center A Magical Place for All!

2026-02-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for the perfect place to connect with nature and want to try either nordic skiing or snowshoeing, Bear Notch Ski Touring, located in Bartlett, NH is the perfect place. The cherry on the cupcake of this hidden gem is that children, adults and even your furry companion are all welcomed. Children sixteen and under are free with a paying adult. Lessons are also available.

Beautiful River Views

There are miles and miles of trails for all abilities, you can find that perfect spot to take in a magnificent river view or watch a winter waterfall work its magic. After your time exploring, visit the rustic barn to warm up and enjoy homemade soup and freshly baked bread. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee and bottled beverages are also available

Inside the Rustic Barn

The owners are friendly and welcoming and will share with you everything you need to know before heading out to what will be a most memorable day in the White Mountains.

Visit the Bear Notch website for all the details needed and enjoy your magical snowbound journey!

A Close Look at a Cranberry Bog

2018-04-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

I am always fascinated by Cranberry Bog's. Cranberries are one of the only three fruits that are native to North America, they grown in the wild on long vines in sandy bogs and marshes. In the U.S., Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries, responsible for half of the U.S. production. Massachusetts is the second largest U.S. producer, small volumes of production occur in Southern Argentina, Chile, and the Netherlands. It is fascinating to visit a bog throughout the year to view how this tasty fruit is harvested. In New England, during the Fall, the bog is flooded with up to 18 inches of water the night before the berries are to be harvested. Each berry has a tiny pocket of air that allows it to float to the surface of the water.

The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place is home to the last remaining active cranberry bog in the town of Foxborough, MA. You can witness the bog throughout the year to learn about the cycle of a cranberry, we visited in the beginning of April. We are excited to go back in the fall to see the bog as it becomes harvest time.

The trail is a half-mile trail through a working cranberry bog, wetland pond, and woods. The bog itself is a 32-acre cranberry wetland system with paved trails through a protected habitat with native wildlife.

It is located at the south entrance of Patriot Place, just before Bass Pro Shops. Follow signs for “The Nature Trail at Patriot Place." Admission is free. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.

Our Aussie enjoying Bass Pro Shop

Dogs are allowed on the trail, they are also welcomed at the Bass Pro Shop, Bass Pro Shop hosts special Dog Day events.

A Hidden Gem

2018-04-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve is nestled in the scenic coastal town of Niantic Connecticut. The nature preserve spans over 400 acres of varied terrain. There are several miles of hiking trails.

Our hike took place a day after rain and the wet moss that blanketed the preserve made us feel like we entered an enchanted forest. The preserve abuts Clark's Pond and the Niantic River, it is a unique and beautiful place.

The miles of trails that run throughout the preserve, provide endless opportunities for birding and wildlife observations. We could not resist pulling out our camera. What impressed us most was the unique rock formations and vegetation.

Monotropa uniflora

Also impressive was the Quartz pit, what a treat to see quartz in abundance amongst the borders and beautiful fauna, we also stumbled upon a rare find, the Monotropa uniflora, also known as ghost plant (or ghost pipe), Indian pipe or corpse plant.

Southern pine bark beetle trap

We were fascinated by a trap we came across, its purpose is to trap the southern pine bark beetle. This invasive beetle preys upon pine trees, an infestation of this beetle would be devastating to the preserve. This finding provided an opportunity for our children to see first hand the efforts to ward off a devastating invasive beetle. This was a great learning moment.

It is important to note that there are steep sections and cliffs throughout the preserve. Trails are well marked. Dogs are welcome in the preserve but it is requested that they remain on their leash and under owners control.

Trail Map:

http://www.oswhills.org/trail-map.html

Access to the Preserve

http://www.oswhills.org/access-to-the-preserve.html

A hike through this enchanted preserve is a perfect outing for hikers and dogs!

Aussie overlooking Clark Pond

High up in the Clouds

2017-07-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Our group of three adults, four boys ages 6-11, and one excited Aussie, could not wait to begin our assent to to the summit of Mount Wachusett located in Princeton, MA. Mount Wachusett and the surrounding forest did not disappoint, we climbed high into the sky to reach a height of 2006 feet. Once at the summit we were greeted with vast views and a Ranger who showed talked with us about the different wildlife found around the Mount Wachusett mountain. He let the kids feel pelts and look at skeletons.

From the summit on a clear day, you can take in views of Mt. Monadonock in Ne Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and Boston skyline to the east. The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation surrounds the summit and offers many opportunities to explore. The Reservation's natural resources include forests, alpine meadows, ponds, streams, fields and even a perched bog. Recreational opportunities abound on the reservation including hiking, nature study, hawk watching, picnicking and skiing. The Reservation offers 17 miles of hiking and walking trails, including 3.9 miles of the Midstate Trail, which runs from Ashburnham to the Rhode Island border. Mountain Road stretches to the John Hitchcock Visitor's Center at the summit, a short distance from the Wachusett Mountain Ski area. which is the largest in eastern Massachusetts.

Parking:
We parked at the visitor center, it is important to note that the parking lot at the visitor center is limited to 28 spaces, available on a first come first serve basis. If the lotus full, you will be redirected to another trail head around the perimeter of the mountain.

Road to the Summit:
The road to the summit will open for the season on Saturday May 23, 2015 at 1:00pm. It will then be open daily from 9:00am to sunset through the last weekend in October. There is a $5.00 fee to access parking along the summit road and for the parking lots.

Trail Maps:

Suggested Hikes

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/recreate/wach-hikes.pdf

A hike up this beautiful mountain is a great day, adults, kids and Aussies all agree!

A Hike Up a Not So Sleepy Giant

2016-07-24T08:51:00.002-07:00

Named for its resemblance to a sleeping giant, Sleeping Giant State Park located in Hamden, CT offers both challenging and leisure trails for adults and their canine companions alike.

In addition to a great hike, there are opportunities to fish and picnic. A great place to spend the day.

As you approach the parking lot for Sleeping Gian State Park, you will see Quinnipiac College directly across the street. You can park further down the road and avoid paying a fee to enter. We chose to park right in the lot as we wanted to make a donation to the park. There is a higher fee for out of state cars so check the web site before you go.

We hiked to the top of the mountain and we were rewarded with views of
Long Island Sound and the New Haven area. Visit the DEEP site to learn more about Sleeping Giant and to plan your visit. http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325264

As we competed our hike to the top, we were excited to happen upon an Australian Shepherd club!

If you live in the CT area and own an Australian Shepherd, check out the Australian Shepherd Club we bumped into, they were super friendly and look like they are up for a lot of fun. http://www.meetup.com/CT-Australian-Shepherd/.

Great Brook Farm State Park

2016-05-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

On your way to visit Great Brook Farm Sate Park in Carlisle, MA, you wind through a woodland oasis and begin to feel the excitement of what will be a very special day. Once you arrive at this gem of a park, you recognize that an amazing hike awaits you but the cherry on the cupcake is the farm complete with an ice cream stand.

The park consists of approximately 1000 acres and has over 20 miles of trails available for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. If you visit during the winter months, cross-country skiing awaits. Visit the Great Brook Farm State Park website for directions and parking information.

Tadpoles

As you hike through Great Brook Farm, you will stroll around ponds, hike through forests and enter into swamp areas all teaming with a variety of wildlife, we were able to observe tadpoles.

Home to the first robotic milking system in Massachusetts and a state-of-the-art smart barn, a tour of the farm is a must. The cows line up to be milked on demand and wander over for an afternoon back scratch. You can't help but to think that if you were born a cow, this would be
an ideal place to call home.

The Duffy family maintains the dairy farm and has raised the same Holstein herd for 30 years. The milk from the cows is turned into Cabot products. There is also a petting/feeding area home to rabbits, sheep and goats. You can purchase animal feed for tweet-five cents.

The ice cream stand is open mid-April to mid-October. For dog owners, you can walk right up to the window and place your order. The ice cream stand is open mid-April to Halloween and with fun flavors such as chocolate caramel pretzel, cotton candy, bubble gum and they offer varieties in yogurt, sherbet and sorbet.

Great Brook Farm State Park is very dog friendly andAussie approved. All dogs need to be on leash in parking lots, the pavilion and the ice cream stand. If dogs are in voice command there are areas for them to be permitted off leash. For specifics, refer to the dogs in Mass parks.

A visit to Great Brook Farm State Park makes for a wonderful day for hikers and their furry companions alike.

Science by the Sea

2015-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Nestled right next to the sea in Rye, New Hampshire, an interesting Science Center sits amongst a rocky coast, woodlands, WWII fortifications, a pond and a salt marsh. In the distance four light houses can be seen creating the quintessential New England backdrop. The Seacoast Science Center resides in the Odiorne Point State Park. A treasure just waiting to be explored.

After our visit to the science center, we could not stop talking about our experience which included meeting a blue lobster, viewing marine life in their natural substrate, exploring a touch tank full of sea stars, hermit crabs and other interesting sea creatures.

The size of the science center is perfect for learning about specific marine life. The exhibits are very detailed and we left with new facts about lobsters (Did you know that lobsters actually become stronger as they age?), boating (a great hands on exhibit), and we were awestruck over their collection of marine life skeletons.

Each exhibit within the center provided a window into the world of marine life. We had the treat of watching the sea anemones being fed. We also saw fascinating marine life such as a Sea Dragon.

After touring the science center, we stepped outside and found ourselves an endless natural habitat, a playground that delighted all of our senses. Walking along the rocky coast, the kids were fascinating by the different types of rocks and marine life that were tiding up on shore. It is an easy one-mile walk from the Seacoast Science Ceter to Frost point on the trails and long the way there are many opportunities of nature exploration.

What we found unique about the Seacoast Science Center is that it provides both an opportunity to learn within the center and then experience what you learned about right outside the door in its natural setting.

The Seacoast Science Center is a must do
marine science experience.

Additional information and directions to the Seacoast Science Center:
http://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.

Unique Cedar Bog Featuring Carnivorous Plants in Massachusetts

2014-09-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sign at beginning of trail.

Planks on the trail.

Captivated by carnivorous plants, I never had an opportunity to see them growing in nature. I was amazed to find them along with elephant ears thriving in Canton, Massachusetts. Ponkapoag Bog Trail is a must visit if you live in or are traveling to Massachusetts. Part of the Blue Hills Reservation, Ponkapoag Bog is a white cedar bog, which is a bog rarely found in Massachusetts. The bog has a boardwalk trail which is made up of single layer planks. We traveled all the way through the bog's edge which is in the middle of the pond. It ends with an amazing view of the pond. We were able to see sundews, and pitcher plants. Blatteworts are also in residence however we were not lucky enough to find them. I was also excited to see elephant ears, I over winter our elephant ears, it is amazing to see them thriving in the harsh New England climate.

I read that the boardwalk can be difficult if the water level is high so plan your hike accordingly.

Ponkapoag Pond

In addition to the Ponkapoag Bog Trail, you can hike a scenic 4.2 mile hike around the Ponkapoag pond.

After researching the best way to access the trail, I found that parking at the Ponkapoag Golf Course on Washington Street in Canton, at the intersection with Turnpike Street, provided the best access. There is a map of Blue Hill Reservation at the entrance to Maple Avenue, a tree lined paved path that goes through the heart of the golf course. We took the path to the end and turned left, following the dirt path through the golf course. Ponkapoag Pond will be on the right. There will be a path that intersects in the woods. Take the path to the bog boardwalk entrance, you will find a sign and a marker indicating it is the Ponkapoag Bog Trail.

Pitcher plants were flowering!

Elephant Ears

Finding an Injured Bird

2014-04-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

A robin rasing her young under the
table umbrella in our yard.

It is spring in New England and our feathered friends are busy, busy, busy! With all the activity it is easy to stumble upon what may appear to be an injured bird. During this time of year, I am happy to say that usually the bird in question is most likely a fledgeling. A fledgeling is a bird that has just left its nest and is learning to fly. It is important to know that many fledgelings spend quite a bit of time hoping around on the ground. Do not worry, their parents are close by, they are always under a watchful eye. I learned this lesson one day when I was trying to capture a fledging cardinal. It is important to take a moment, observe and learn the difference between typical and not so typical bird behavior.

Spring is also a great time to observe the birds in your yard. One spring we had a robin create a nest under our table umbrella, it provided a wonderful learning experience for the whole family. I also learned the difference between nestlings and fledgelings as I tried to put back the fledgelings that were hopping from the nest. When they are ready, they are ready to leave!

Before you find yourself face to face with an injured bird, it is best to know what to look for and who to call. If you stumbled upon this blog because you are in an emergency situation, call your town animal control. Otherwise, familiarize yourself with the steps to take in rescuing an injured bird.

Following the steps below will ensure the safety and future for the injured bird. Never under any circumstance should you attempt to keep an injured bird and care for it yourself. There are laws that protect birds so finding out who to call is the best option for everyone involved.

Assess the Bird
Most likely if you found an injured bird it is either a bird of prey or a song bird. During the late spring and summer baby birds may have left the nest prematurely and are referred to as nestlings. Nestlings if small enough can be placed back in the nest. If the bird appears to be larger and moving around freely it is most likely a fledgling. Observe the bird for a couple of hours. If it can walk, hop, and flap its wings, or if adult birds are nearby, leave the bird alone. The parents will continue to care for it.

If a bird on the ground is unable to flap its wings and appears to be alone it is probably injured. Slowly approach the bird, and if it doesn't fly away when you’re within 10 feet or so, there may be something wrong.

When a bird hits a window, swelling in the brain may temporarily incapacitate it. Countless times, I have run out of the house to find a poor birds lifeless on the ground, then all of a sudden it will shake itself and fly away. In some cases, it may take a while. If there are cats or other predators nearby, place the bird in an enclosed box or under a colander to keep it safe. Handle the bird as little as possible and do not attempt to give it food or water. As the swelling subsides and the bird becomes more active, you may release it.

Know Who To Call
Now is the time to find out who to call in your area for emergency injured bird services. A google search for your state will provide you with specifics and laws around transporting and rescuing birds. Each state has a certified wildlife rehabilitator and though they may not be able to come to your location to physically pick up the injured bird, they can provide you with the protocol should the event happen to you.

List of wildlife rehabilitates by state:
http://www.wildcarebayarea.org/site/DocServer/otherrehabbers_correction_1-29-10.html?docID=381.

Birds of Prey
These birds need to be approached with extreme caution as they have talons and can really injure a human. Last year, an inured red tailed hawk appeared in our driveway. I called our local Audubon office, found out they do not come to rescue injured birds, they suggested

Injured juvenile red tailed hawk that arrived in our yard.

I call animal control in our town. Interesting to note, in Massachusetts, rehabilitates are usually unable to respond to pick up injured wildlife, but they will provide advice on the best procedures for safely collecting the animal and will offer directions to their facility. This is a problem when it comes to birds of prey because unlike a song bird, they are dangerous to handle. The best thing to do is call your local wildlife rehabilitator ahead of time and ask them who they recommend you contact in your area should you find an injured bird of prey.

Song Birds
Unlike birds of prey, it is easier to deal with the capture of an injured song bird. They are much smaller and it is far easier to place an object like a small box or colander over them. Like Birds of Prey, your local wildlife rehabilitator will be able to give you information on whom to call.

It is important to remember that mortality rates in wildlife is extremely high. Birds especially. It is natures way of maintaining balance. It is a different world from ours in that as harsh as it sounds, sometimes our well intentioned human acts often prolong suffering and distress for our feathered friends. Naturalists learn to accept that a sick or injured bird becomes prey for another animal thus ensuring that animals survival.

There are some amazing wildlife sanctuaries and refugees who care for these injured animals once emergency medical care has been given and their fate is determined. Often times juvenile birds make wonderful additions to wildlife education centers. They are young enough to learn to be handled safely and brought about to classrooms or live comfortably in a sanctuary. Other birds are able to be released back into the wild. Check out some great places I have visited that dedicate their time and efforts to these amazing birds!

Sanctuaries that make a difference for the lives of birds.

Surprising Nature Treasures at the Roger Williams Zoo

2014-02-20T11:17:00.002-08:00

During a recent New England January thaw, we set out to explore and found ourselves at Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. What impressed us most about this zoo was the incorporation of the native land. The zoo itself was home to some pretty impressive animal species. We were able to observe unique wildlife from New Guinea, Indonesia, Australia and Africa. The elephants and giraffes were inside due to the weather however it gave us a unique opportunity to view them up close. It was also uncrowded so you could ask questions and really get to know these magnificent creatures.

The Marco Polo's Wild Journey was an adventure, we were able to view animals that he may have encountered during his travels. The red pandas were adorable. It is interesting to note that these animals are found in extreme environments and have extreme adaptations, seeing these wonderful creatures up close provided a unique window into what it may have been like taking a journey in Marco Polo's footsteps.

We walked on a 1/4 mile path through what was described as Rhode Island's most endangered habitat, the wetlands. It was an awesome experience, seeing it in winter and taking pictures we plan to compare it when we return in Spring, Summer and Fall. We were able to see Canada geese and vibrant native plants like dogwood and birch which always make an impressive New England backdrop especially in winter.

If you are planning a trip to this zoo during the colder months, you will be happy to find Tropical America, the zoo boasts it is home to Rhode Island's only rainforest. Once inside you are arms reach to tamarins, white-faced saki monkeys and dozens of other amazing creatures. The monkeys are free roaming and entertaining to say the least. Outside we were captivated by the flamingoes and giant anteaters.

One of the most impressive exhibits that I found at this zoo was in the North America section. Sitting on a perch were two majestic bald eagles. I was amazed how beautiful they were in their natural habitat, not behind bars out in the open. A must see.

Always in search of a nature themed playground, we were delighted to find "Hasbro's Our Big Backyard." Complete with a fascinating tree house, an indoor activity space which includes a Nature Swap. The nature swap is a place where you can trade items collected in nature. The nature trail and natural playground was fun for all ages to explore. There were lots of opportunities to be creative and enjoy the natural environment.

January and February admission is half-priced. In the spring of 2014, a barn and farmyard section will be opened. October - November is the zoo's famed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, perfect to get you in the mood for Halloween.

Looking to get involved? The zoo is currently sponsoring a FrogWatch. They are looking for volunteer age 7 and up to participate. https://www.rwpzoo.org/176/frogwatch.

A Unique Encounter at Animal Adventures

2013-12-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

I often struggle with visiting animals in captivity. Rescuing injured animals and having children, has given me an opportunity to see things through a different lens. Animals living in captivity often provide enriching experiences for both the animal and human. I am on a constant quest to find moments that provide an opportunity to connect with creatures that live in our natural world.

Animal Adventures in Bolton, MA, provides this type of unique opportunity. It is home to many exotic animals and reptiles from all over the world. The first noticeable difference is that these exotic animals and reptiles connect with people. A rare experience like no other. How does this happen? I learned that not a single animal that lives on the premise is wild caught. They are rescued from situations such as abandonment, being orphaned or neglected. I observed that they are given a wonderful life and are being used to educate. A win/win situation!

Our tour lasted two hours and during that time we saw a variety of animals, birds and reptiles from all over the world. Our guide was well educated and able to talk about every single animal. We were able to witness the gentleness of their lynx, learning that the adornment on this ears are for warmth. We met an adorable fox that is afraid of the dark and has a favorite stuffed animal. We also heard the soft cries of a little fox while she lay sleeping. We heard the amazing song of the kookaburra, did you know they are meat eaters? We heard that ferrets make great pets, a fact we already knew having owned several. We got to touch a skunk, tortoise, rabbit, lizard, boa and marvel at an anaconda! We also got to meet and learn about the habits of the ring-tailed lemur, misconceptions about them created by Hollywood were clarified. My children hung on every word that the guide spoke. They learned that it is not advisable to put a boa around your neck at a friends house and to always use caution when you come in contact with a wild animal. The best part of the experience is that you are able to interact with animals from all over the world.

All creatures play an important role in our natural world, there are many that are misunderstood and even feared and killed out of that fear. The opportunity that Animal Adventures provides gives a unique prospective on these animals and connects you to them in ways that would never happen in their natural environment.

The animals who reside at Animal Adventures would not survive in the wild. The owners of Animal Adventures are giving us and these animals the best gift by caring for them and educating all of us about their role in our natural world. If you are visiting Massachusetts, please give them a visit, if not, consider donating to their cause as they are truly fulfilling the mission

It is important to keep in mind when visiting that you are not going to a zoo, aquarium or museum. It is a home for abandoned animals and it is growing and evolving. All the animals have ample space and are taken care of and interacted with daily. While some of their enclosures may not look as posh as your local zoo, they are sufficient and appropriate for their individual needs. The animals all have time out of their habitats to interact and provide educational experiences. We were told that the kangaroo gets to spend play time with the owner and that the owner says good night to all the creatures. An example of the love and devotion to the inhabitants of this very special place.

In addition to the Bolton, MA location, Animal Adventures can be found at Kimball Farm in Westford during spring, summer and fall. We were able to visit them over the summer at Kimball Farm and enjoyed the animals and presentation that they had at the farm.

Enjoy your animal adventure!

Dinosaur State Park

2013-09-15T11:54:00.002-07:00

On a trip to Connecticut, we visited the Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. What a magical place. The most unique aspect of the park is that the trackway which consists of an amazing fossil track is preserved in place and is a Registered Natural Landmark.

In 1966, a bulldozer operator was excavating for a development of a state building, he turned over a slab and found there-toed footprints. The decision to preserve this site as a state park and the work to carefully excavate has made the Dinosaur State Park one of the largest on-site displays in the world.

The tracks are housed in the exhibit center which is open throughout the year and admission is charged to enter. Six dollars for adults and teens (13 and over), $2 for youth and free for children 5 and under.

The rest of the park which is free to explore. It provides nature trails over two miles highlighting the rich diversity the land has to offer. Beautiful and full of wonder at every turn, we were awe struck by seeing beautiful habitats with gorgeous maples, living creatures such as frogs, snakes, butterflies and amazing rocks. In addition to the hiking trails, the arboretum stretches 10 acres and is home to conifers, katsuras, ginkgoes, magnolias and other living representatives of plant families which appeared in the Age of Dinosaurs. They have a great representation of as many of the Mesozoic Era plants families as possible.

The two activities offered that made an unforgettable impression on our children was track Casting and Mining for fossils and gems. Track casting is offered from May-October weather permitting. Visitors must provide :

1/4 cup cooking oil
Cloth rags and paper towels
5-gallon plastic bucket
10 pounds of Plaster-of-Paris (no substitutions).

Casts are large but make for a nice garden accent for home or for a for a display piece.

The Mining for minerals activity involves purchasing a bag of "mining rough" we were surprised to find our full of gems! This is a summer activity and a must do for any budding geologist.

We also took part in the annual Dinosaur State Park day. The exhibit hall is free on this day and it is a very festive and fun event.

If you are planning a trip to Connecticut, the Dinosaur State Park is a must see.

Bringing Nature Indoors

2013-08-20T11:09:00.003-07:00

Every time we go for a hike we come home with different treasures from nature. Sometimes it is a rock that catches the eye, a twig that has a unique marking, a colorful leaf, these objects are wonderful to bring into your home but finding the perfect place may require some thought. One of our favorite things to do is find different ways to incorporate nature into art.

Sometimes we do not even have to travel as far as our backyard to stumble upon a surprise. One summer, a robin decided to make a nest in the umbrella above our outdoor dining table. She raised two clutches and the summer was filled with entertainment and curiosity as we watched our feathered friend. When she left in the fall, we needed to close our umbrella and considered her nest to be a "hostess gift". As we were adding the nest to our ever growing collection of found items, we decided to put to use our new found art.

Creating a Shadowbox
Like our encounter with our robin friend, those who pay close enough attention will find that the natural world tells a story. Taking objects from your own personal experience in nature and displaying them in a shadow box brings nature inside and can serve as a reminder of a special nature connection made. Creating a shadow box filled with the abandoned robin's nest, photo's and captions from our nature journal, gives our family a reminder of our special connection. It is hanging in our dining room near the window where we used to watch her.

Decorative Bird House
Making a decorative bird house with found nature items is another way to display nature treasures.

We used an empty half and half carton, you can use match boxes, large carton's anything that resembles the structure of a bird house. We used the twigs for the roof, birch bark for the walls and a hot glue gun to put it all together. Popped in a owl made out of pom-pom's.

Hanging Mobile
Finding that perfect stick seems to be a daily occurance. What is a hike without spotting that kind of treasure? Adding a mobile to a room can bring in nature and serve as an inspiring decorative piece.

Books and Blogs:

http://www.naturalearthpaint.com/resources/nature-related-art-activities/

Mourning Cloak Butterfly, Harbinger of Spring

2013-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Our Mourning Cloak with proboscis extended.

Sring in our home is a very busy time. The ordering of caterpillars is high on our to do list and is a much anticipated event. This year we find ourselves in a unexpected butterfly situation. It began one day in early March.

There was nothing unusual about our daily walk home from school, lively discussions with friends and neighbors, pats on the heads of our fury friends as we walked along and then a shrill of joy, "mom, mom, a butterfly!" Joy turned to concern as we looked closely and observed that the butterfly was struggling. Half a wing had been torn off.

"Can we take him home mom?" "Yes," I replied, my mind racing as to what we were going to do with our new friend from nature. Thinking he was a Swallow Tail and wondering how he was surviving in what was still a very unpredictable New England spring, I thought this little guy or girl (we refer to the butterfly as a boy because we are unable to identify its gender) would be with us a day at the most. That was in the beginning of March, it is now April and as I blog, he is happily sitting next to me on a rotten piece of fruit.

As we walked home with our wounded butterfly on that early spring day, I had no idea that we were going to learn another interesting lesson from nature. I stopped to talk with a neighbor, while engaging in conversation my neighbor had to ask, what's up with the butterfly on your arm. The little guy crawled up my sleeve while I was talking! So off we went to settle the butterfly into our home.

Creating what I thought would be a temporary habitat for our wounded friend seemed simple enough. We set him in our Butterfly Garden kit, inserted a few sticks, some sugar water and some fruit.

Every day for two weeks we would let the butterfly out to stretch his wings, he seemed to like the sugar water, would land on the fruit and liked walking on the sticks. What I could not figure out is how he was still alive. So, I took a photo and when I dropped my son off for his weekly Audubon class I showed the photo to a naturalist who told me that what I had was indeed a Mourning Cloak Butterfly.

It all made sense, for weeks I could not answer the questions that people would ask. "You found it as a butterfly? How did it survive the freezing nights? To that I thought, it must have either been released from a butterfly kit or perhaps caught in the wind during migration. None of the above. We had a Mourning Cloak. It was living as nature intended it to live, overwintering and emerging as a first sign that Spring was coming to New England.

The Mourning Cloak is an amazing butterfly, it is one of the first butterflies to appear as the days start to lengthen at the end of the winter, usually several weeks before spring. The reason for this seemingly anomalous behavior is that the Mourning Cloak overwinters as an adult. Amazing.

Even more amazing, The Mourning Cloak is capable of surviving the cold of the winter through "cryo-preservation," a generic term for the various methods used by animals that have not evolved a migratory pattern and must survive temperature extremes. The Mourning Cloak secretes chemicals that act as anti-freeze to prevent ice formation.

Mourning Cloaks live for almost a year, the life cycle begins when the overwintering adults emerge in the spring to mate, the males basking in the sun pending the approach of a female.

So here we are almost one month with our Mourning Cloak friend. With a torn wing and limited flight we watch him enjoy his days in his butterfly sanctuary, we allow him to sun himself on our enclosed porch. We found that offering him water and rotting fruit, time to fly and spread his uneven wings and sticks to climb are making him happy. Sad that he (or she) will not be able to complete his mission in life to reproduce, we can simply just offer our new friend a sanctuary to spend the rest of his days.

Visit a butterfly sanctuary in Massachusetts:
Butterfly Garden at the Museum of Science
The Butterfly Place , Westford, MA
Magic Wings South Deerfield, MA

How to care for injured Butterflies:
Fixing butterfly wings
First aid for butterflies

Butterfly Books
The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies
The Family Butterfly Book
Stokes Butterfly Book: The Complete Guide to Butterfly Gardening, Identification, and Behavior

In crawled a crab!

2012-10-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Our 6-year-old son first met a hermit crab a few years ago when we were on a beach vacation. We went to a hermit crab race, the crabs were offered for purchase after the race. Understanding the hazards of a pet impulse purchase, we took our saddened little boy home with the promise to research hermit crab ownership.

Fast forward. On a beautiful sunny day in September we took our son to a local Town Day. Armed with his well earned allowance money we told him there would be an opportunity to purchase something from the fair. Who would have ever thought there would be hermit crabs for sale.

Happy with the condition of the crabs and after a brief conversation with the vendor we allowed our son to take home his first hermit crab "Pinch Pinch."

Having owned Pinch Pinch for the past couple of months, we are finding hermit crab ownership to be a wonderful window into nature.

We learned very quickly that you must have a proper "crabitat." The starter habitats that often come with a newly purchased hermit crab are not adequate enough to keep a hermit crab alive and are too small. We purchased a 10 gallon tank, temperature and a humidity gage, a day and night heating lamp, timer, repti fogger to help control the humidity, substrate, toys and salt water.

When considering a hermit crab it is important to know:

hermit crabs need a constant temperature of at least 75°F and a constant humidity level of at least 70% ,
hermit crabs molt! Ours is currently in a molt and has not surfaced out of his substrate for the past couple of weeks. It is very important to provide adequate substrate for a hermit crab to properly molt and dig,
chlorine is harmful to hermit crabs. You must use chlorine free water,
hermit crabs are nocturnal and,
hermit crabs can live 15 to 30 years in captivity if cared for properly.

I was bothered by the information I read regarding hermit crabs being forced into painted shells for sale. The crab we purchased came in a painted shell. The vendor told us that the shells were hand painted and offered to the crabs to choose. It is interesting to note that our crab quickly chose a natural shell that we offered him once he became settled in his new home. It is important to do your research and find a suitable supplier. You can also find hermit crabs who are up for adoption.

If you are considering a hermit crab there are two wonderful sites that we have been using. Jam packed with information from adopting a hermit crab to the wonders of molting, these two sites are perfect for hermit crab owners.

New Hampshire Nature Discoveries

2012-07-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

New Hampshire offers a diverse landscape to explore. From rocky coasts to the White Mountains known for the most rugged mountains in New England, New Hampshire offers endless opportunities to get into nature. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft.

Winter Adventures in the White Mountains

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, Bartlett, NH

Science By the Sea: Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park

Science by the Sea.
Three amazing places to visit:

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Nestled in the Squam Lakes region, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is by far one of the top nature centers I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It is well maintained and represents nature in New Hampshire in a variety of ways.

The center is perfect for children and adults. With its wide open meadows, marsh boardwalks and my favorite, interactive natural history exhibits where native animals such as black bears, bobcats and birds of prey reside.

The mission of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to "advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world." They go above and beyond achieving their mission.

General admission includes travel around The Gephart Exhibit Trail featuring live native New Hampshire wildlife and hands-on exhibits. There are daily life animal presentations and a beautiful garden. The gift shop features local New Hampshire artisans. Admission can include a cruise around the Squam Lake, a comprehensive guided cruise that teaches about the wildlife, ecology and natural history of the region. If you are a member of your local nature center, zoo or aquarium check to see if your membership allows for a reciprocal benefit. We were able to receive 50% off our admission.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm

Not far from the Squam Lakes region is a little town named Tamworth. Tamworth offers a majestic view of Mount Chocorua, the most photographed mountain in America. Its a picturesque town offering dramatic mountain views from many locations. Lake Chocorua, White Lake, flowing brooks and rivers, trout streams and ponds all contribute to the natural beauty and scenic vistas. But perhaps a hidden gem that many may not know about is the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm.

For an understanding of the agricultural way of life in New Hampshire from 1790 to the present this farm/museum is a must see. It offers people the chance to visit a working farm with sheep, goats, cows, steers, oxen, chickens, turkeys, lambs, pigs and horses. Walk into the 1830’s garden and view the historic crops and vegetables. Take a leisurely 6/10 mile hike on the Trail, a low impact experience offering spectacular views of Remick Farm, Mount Chocorua, and the Ossipee Mountain Range. My son was able to milk a goat and brush the pony. You can fish in their pond which also is used to harvest ice during the winter. We were able to view where they store the ice.

Admission to the Remick County Doctor Museum admission is $3 for adults children ages 4 and under are free.

Remick County Doctor Museum and Farm

The Mount Washington Weather Discovery Center

Located in North Conway, the Mount Washington Weather Discovery Museum is worth the stop when heading into the White Mountains. The Discover Center offers an interactive experience to its visitors. The air cannon, flow tank and wind room really illustrated the fact that Mount Washington is home to some of the harshest weather conditions in the world. Watching and feeling the effects of 231 mile an hour wind in the wind room was a highlight. There is an opportunity to speak with the hardy observers living and working in the summit weather station through a twice daily live video link.

The Mount Washington Weather Discovery Center
If traveling to New England and New Hampshire is in your itinerary, add these three places to your trip! Enjoy!

Thinking About Joining a CSA?

2012-05-18T04:31:00.002-07:00

As I sit in the early morning listening to the chorus of birds outside I realize that Spring is such a busy time of year in nature. There is such a flurry of activity that I find myself putting together a rather lengthy to do list!

If you have been thinking about buying shares in a CSA, now is the time to do your research and join! Over the last two decades, CSA's (Consumer Supported Agriculture), have become more readily available. Local farmers offer the public "shares" of their seasonal crops. A share typically is offered weekly and is usually a box of seasonal produce. The CSA that I joined offers bakery items and eggs in addition to vegetables. CSA's have grown to include other options. Wine, cheese and even fish are now available. If rolling up your sleeves and picking your own vegetables interests you there are also CSA's that offer the option to work on the farm that is supplying the CSA. The summer/fall growing season is usually the most popular CSA to join. More and more farmers are including CSA's all year.

There are many benefits to joining a CSA. You are supporting local farmers, you get to receive fresh local food and if you have children it is a great way to engage them in eating locally. Having a CSA share is like getting a present once a week!

Local Harvest has a great database of CSA's for wherever you may live. Have fun and enjoy!

Local Harvest CSA search.

Happy spring!

Exploring The Winter Night Sky

2012-03-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Last year around this time, I posted about going outside to embrace winter. I live in New England and we experienced one of the most harshest winters on record. This year, a whole different story. Many days have been mild, reaching mid 50's! There is no snow, no ice and it seems like spring instead of winter.

Confused about having no snow and no opportunities to enjoy snow activities, I had to think of something to engage my eager children. We decided to look to the sky and we got to see first hand how beautiful a starry winter night can be!

We began our journey by taking a class called "Moon Magic." It was offered through our local Audubon Society. Each family received a moon journal and we learned a bit about Astronomy.

Check your local Audubon Society for a class or your local science museum, they offer great programs and opportunities to learn more about astronomy.

Finding the right App:
Considering there are 88 official constellations, identification can be a challenge. I downloaded and tested a few different App's. I recommend one of the following:

Star Walk for iPad (Vito Technology Inc.,):
For just under five dollars, Star Walk is one of the easiest astronomy Apps available. I love how it functions as a personal planetarium! The digital compass allows you to recreate the sky on your iPad and you can even view how the sky will look in the future!

Moon Atlas (Horsham Online Limited):
If you are interested on focusing on just the moon, Moon Atlas another App for under five dollars does the trick. It has the ability to provide details in a very interactive way. It gives information on the moons phase and angular sizes and craters.

If you are looking for a free App, there are two that I found worth the download.

Astronomy Picture of the Day (Concentric Sky):
With decades of photos taken from Hubble and crystal clear images, Astronomy Picture of the Day showcases daily images and information.

Planets (Dana Peters):
I love its simplicity. Being able to view planets from both a 2D and 3D perspective. Perfect for young kids!

Once you have taken a class, visited a planetarium, downloaded an App, bought a telescope, you are ready to explore.

Tips for Exploring:

Find the darkest place:
Go to a place with the least light during a night that is free of clouds or fog. Spend some time letting your eyes get used to the dark. Look for the first star you see, a familiar constellation.

Bring your App or a star map:
If you do not have access to an App. You can google your local star map and print it out. If you are in the Boston area. The Museum of Science has a great map that they update regularly.
Keep your eyes adjusted to the night light:
Bring along a dim flashlight.

Equipment:
If you are interested in using a telescope, I purchased and can recommend the Zhumell Zenith 60x600 . Great for beginners and for children.

Books:

For children:
The Stars a New Way to See Them by H.A. Rey
Written by the author of Curious George, this book is just perfect for little ones and newbies alike!

For Adults:
The National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Night Sky
I love any reference book by the National Audubon Society and this guide lives up to the Society's reputation of producing excellent easy to use guides.

Happy exploring!

Discovering Nature In Mystic Connecticut

2011-10-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, National Geographic Adventure Magazine named Mystic Connecticut as one of the top 50 places to live and work. Home to one of America's leading aquariums, the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, it's no wonder how Mystic was awarded this title. Visitors can view living collections, science and conservation work and sea research through exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs. Mystic Aquarium houses Beluga whales and rare and remarkable sea creatures. The Institute for Exploration is a base for famed oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard.

The Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea is the nation's leading maritime museum. This museum offers visitors a unique interactive link to seafaring of the past.

The Denison Pequtsepos Nature Center is a combination wildlife sanctuary, visitor attraction and educational facility. If you are interested in learning more about the habitats and wildlife of southeastern Connecticut, this is the place to visit. It has eight miles of trails that cover its 300-acre wooded preserve. There are natural history exhibits and educational classes.

In addition to great educational experiences, Mystic is home to two Vineyards. Stonington Vineyards and Jonathan Edwards Winery

For specific information about hotels and restaurants in Mystic, visit my TripAdvisor account.

A Sea School!!

2011-10-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

On a trip to Mystic Connecticut, we discovered Sea School at the Mystic Aquarium. This preschool is the first and only licensed preschool housed in an aquarium in the country!! Wow!!

Similar to a nature preschool, Sea School's curriculum is designed to promote science, math and literacy skills through exploration. The outdoor learning area is eco-friendly and provides the opportunity for children to play and learn about nature!

What a wonderful and exciting addition to nature based learning! To find out more information on Sea School visit www.mysticaquarium.com.

Your child completed a nature preschool now what?

2011-09-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately there are no nature-based elementary schools close enough to where I live. Like most people who choose this type of early education for their children, I saw my son off to a traditional elementary school this fall. My biggest concern was how he would transition from spending most of his time outside to an indoor classroom. I felt sad that his learning would be primarily done inside and that he would not have the opportunity to explore the natural world around him. I hear that this is a concern of many who are considering nature preschools. I am happy to say that so far the transition has gone great and I am an even bigger fan of nature preschool programs.

I observed that my son entered kindergarten as a confident boy. My biggest concern was that unstructured learning was familiar to him, kindergarten is structured. How would he fit in? The daily explorations that he experienced at his nature preschool provided him with valuable skills. He brought these skills to his new learning environment. Though his physical surroundings were much different he was able to fit right in and observe, experiment and learn. Attending a nature preschool sparked a love of learning. This foundation he brought with him on his very first day of school.

I am learning that the one area where my son needs more attention than the other children in his class is in regards to his writing. Due to its unstructured nature, nature preschools do not bring a structured approach to learning and he was not so interested in perfecting his writing. It is good practice to work with your child on skills that need extra attention at home. For us it was writing, each child is different. You will be able to identify the areas that you need to work on with your child.

Now that we left the comfy and nurturing environment of our nature preschool we are finding ways to enrich his learning through nature and it is helping to strengthen the foundation that was laid during preschool. We are doing this by:

Nature-based camp during the summer. We signed our son up for a full day, week long camp. He attended this camp just before school started. Not only did it help introduce him to what it would be like be away from home for a full day, it continued his learning about nature in a fun way. We plan to send him to a nature-based camp every summer.
Nature-based classes throughout the year. Local Audubon Societies and town programs offer these types of opportunities. My son and I take one nature class a week and I pepper special programs throughout each month.
Outside Exporation. Have your child play outside one hour before or after school. We go out no matter what the weather.
Walk to school. Make nature observations along the way. If you do not live within walking distance. Drive to a point where you feel comfortable walking. If the mornings are too hectic, walk after.
Volunteer. Volunteering your time in the classroom and make suggestions on how to incorporate nature opportunities.
Family Nature Vacations. Incorporate nature in your family vacations.

My child has become a nature ambassador and a confident student. I strongly believe that this foundation was laid by his nature preschool and will continue to guide him through his elementary education.
I will continue to post observations and suggestions along the journey!! For additional information check out the Education section.

Top Five Summer Activities

2011-08-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Go On A Nature Scavenger Hunt

Often times when I arrive at a beach I find myself staring at the ocean. The kids start digging in the sand or jumping in the water. This summer our family set out on our vacation to not only enjoy the ocean playground but to explore all of its nature offerings! We grabbed our copy of National Audubon Society Regional Guide to New England (National Audubon Society Regional Field Guides) and embarked on a nature scavenger hunt. If you are not in New England, you can find a National Audubon guide for just about any location in the U.S. With guidebook in hand we set out and found amazing discoveries. Because the beach lies between the ocean and the land, it provides a great opportunity for nature findings. Be on the lookout for:

Beach Plants

Seaweed: Seaweeds are greatest abundance in rocky areas between high tide and low tide as well as floating after a storm or even washed up on shore. Green seaweed populations fluctuate with the seasons. Refer to your guidebook for species and identification.
Grasses: Tidal marshes are some of the most productive biological systems in the world. Salt Meadow Cordgrass and Amulet Spikegrass grow in areas less frequently inundated by saltwater, typically closer to dry land. Sea lavender, Salt Marsh Aster, Seaside Gerardia, and some species of Glasswort can often be found and are beautiful to look at.
Cattail marshes: In areas where salt water is more diluted with freshwater from rivers. Cattail marshes replace salt marshes. Various types of grasses, including wild rice, and sedges, including bulrushes, are found here.
Eelgrass meadows: Eelgrass is typically found in protected bays, coves and other areas of brackish water. Sea Rocket and Dune Grass occur here, but not in abundance. Dune Grass and plants that thrive on dunes are largely responsible for the creation and growth of the dunes. On the seaward side of dunes can be found Beach Pea, Dusty Miller, and Seaside Goldenrod. Other beach plants to identify include Orache, Beach Clotbur, Seaside Spurge, and Jimson weed.
Fish

Crustacea:Crustaceans include crabs, shrimp and lobsters. Green crabs are common crab found on the shore, where it feeds on Eastern oysters and soft-shell clams). We like to catch these crabs and release them. They are fun to catch and interesting to examine. Blue crabs, red crabs, and Jonah crabs are found in deep water areas. Other crabs found include the lady crab, spider crabs, and fiddler crabs; hermit crabs and mole crabs. My son recently participated in a hermit crab race. Not sure how we felt about this as we spent the rest of our vacation trying to explain to him that although they sell these crabs as pets, we do not have the proper habitat to provide the crab a happy home. The sand shrimp Crangon and two species of grass shrimp are plentiful along the shore, especially in late summer and fall. The American lobster is fished commercially and is found in deeper waters.
Birds: Birds are my favorite and I was so thrilled to see a female red-winged black bird on the beach this year!! Birds use open water areas, tidal marshes, mudflats, sandy beaches, offshore islands and mainland uplands to habitat. Some birds come for just a season while others stay throughout the year. Coastal migrants (also called "transients") are interesting to note and identify and summertime is the perfect time!

Shop a Farmers Market

Farmers Markets!

View the sky

astronomy.com

new planetary nebula

Catch Fireflies (Lightning Bugs)

fireflies!

Exploration by Kayak

10 Greatest Places to Kayak in New England.

Top Five Spring Activities

2011-04-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Start Plants and Flowers From Seeds
Growing plants from seed is a wonderful project for adults as well as children. It can be habit forming as well as a science so be prepared to get involved! Many different techniques will produce healthy plants and it is best to experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you.

Starting seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the average date of the last frost can extend the blooming or production time. We began our seeding in the beginning of March to transplant outside by the beginning of June. When danger of frost has passed, harden off the plants over time to acclimate them to the outdoors and transplant them into the ground.

Just like people, seeds and bulbs have needs that must be met in order for them to thrive and grow. Show kids a variety of seeds and bulbs, explaining that this is where most plants come from. To help kids understand more about planting seeds and bulbs, allow them to grow some of their own. Give kids the responsibility for watering and observing the growth of their plants. A fun project is to paint the flower pots you are using.

To learn more about seed starting there is a lot of information online and at your local nursery.

Boston Flower and
Garden Show 2011

Visit a Flower Show or Nursery

Spring is a wonderful time to visit a flower show or nursery. We attend the Boston Flower and Garden Show yearly, and find the show to be a perfect kick-off to getting ready for spring gardening. Its a wonderful opportunity to find out what is trending in landscape design as well as gaining information about timely garden topics. The focus this year was on celebrating the container garden.

It is also an opportunity to support local gardeners and artisans. Children do very well at Flower and Garden shows as the exhibits are bright and interesting. Often times involving birds or other animals that frequent the outdoor garden habitats. This year we bought our son a butterfly kit with live caterpillars.

If there is not an opportunity to attend a flower show in your area, heading to a local nursery will give you some springtime inspiration.

Visit a Farm or Wildlife Sanctuary

Sheep Sheering
Woolapalooza 2011

Visiting a farm or sanctuary in spring provides an exciting array of activity. From babies being born to sheep being sheered, there is no lack of things to see and learn. Check out your local farm or wildlife sanctuary, you will be surprised at the many opportunities!

Observe Birds and Wildlife
Springtime brings about lots of activity. The common wood frog freezes solid every winter and then defrosts in the spring. After spending the cold months underground, salamanders emerge in late winter to migrate to their aquatic breeding sites, most likely the very site where they were born. What's amazing about this is that they often migrate on the same night and in towns across Massachusetts, wildlife enthusiasts wait for the night of the big migration and get out there to help. The salamanders need a first rainy night over 45 degrees Fahrenheit, after the ground has thawed, to trigger the migration. If you have children, A Big Night for Salamanders written by Sarah Lamstein is a wonderful book about a young boys attempts to protect the salamanders on their big night. Vernal Pools play an important roll in the spring. A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools, is a great resource.

There is plenty of bird activity outside. Robins can be seen looking for worms, some birds are leaving, others arriving. Check with your local Audubon Society to join in on a birding class. Another fun activity is to purchase a bird journal. If you want to make a journal with your children, Bird Log Kids: A Kid's Journal to Record Their Birding Experiences is a perfect tool!

Raise Your Own Butterflies
Recently we purchased an Insect Lore Live Butterfly Pavilion. It is an amazing way to observe the wonder of the butterfly life cycle. This experience has provided us with a close hand look at caterpillars eating and growing to form their chrysalis, then emerging as Painted Lady butterflies. We love feeding the butterflies in their included observation habitat and then releasing them into the wild. Last year we purchased a butterfly bush and several butterfly attracting plants for our garden. It will be a a nice habitat to release our next batch in over the summer.

Enjoy spring!!

Captivating Carnivorous Plants

2011-03-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

During our spring seed shopping outing, we stumbled upon a Venus flytrap at the local nursery. Our son was immediately captivated and we began a new adventure in gardening.

Venus Flytrap

Plants that prey on animals are called carnivorous (meat-eating) plants. They are not only nature's great oddity, they are unique in their nutrient-gathering abilities for survival. Learning about them and keeping them in our home is becoming a great science project for the whole family.

Cobra Lilly

There are fifteen groups of these fascinating plants in existence with 500 species of plants within these groups. The plants we are learning about include Venus flytraps, bladderworts, sundews, butterworts, pitcher plants and the cobra lilly My son is most fascinated with the different ways in which each plant traps its pray. The Cobra Lily is of particular interest to him because of its clear cells on top of its pitcher-like trap. These cells work like little skylights. When its prey sees the spots it thinks there is a way out, when it tries to escape by flying to the light it crashes into the plants wall, falls into the water-filled trap.

Pitcher plant included in
container arrangement.

The Croatan National Forest in North Carolina has the widest selection of Carnivorous plants in one area. Once you learn about these exotic plants you will start to see them in many different places. We just attended the Boston Flower and Garden Show and saw pitcher plants in a beautiful container arrangement.

There are many resources available to help in learning about theses captivating plants.

The International Carnivorous Plant Society
The New England Carnivorous Plant Society
The Savage Garden: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants, Peter D'Amato
We purchased our first Venus flytrap from our local nursery and then ordered different species from The Carnivorous Plant Nursery.

When involving children in the care of carnivorous plants we found useful information on the New England Carnivorous Plant Society Website under Youngsters Guide to Carnivorous Plants.

We took books out of the library and enjoyed:

Venus Flytraps, Kathleen V. Kudlinski
Carnivorous Plants, Nancy J. Nielsen
My son's favorite book on the subject is Hungry Plants, Mary Batten

Growing these wonderful plants is a fun hobby as there are so many varied species. They are a beautiful addition inside and outside the home. Enjoy!

U.S. Destinations that will take your breath away!

2011-03-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Exploring a canyon, visiting a desert with awe inspiring rock formations or taking in the summit at the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, will inspire the nature seeker in anyone. If you are looking for taking in the natural wonders that the U.S. has to offer, consider visiting these three destinations.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The U.S. is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona. I will never forget the moment I took in the canyon. It seemed like everything around me grew silent as I marveled at this natural wonder. To truly experience the canyon, it is best to spend a couple of days either hiking to the bottom or staying at the rim and doing day hikes. We chose the day hike option due to different fitness levels. Staying in the park is the best option as you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of the canyon during different times of the day. There are several lodging options, the El Tovar is beautiful, its location right at the south rim and its location can not be beat. Reservations must be made at least one year in advance. There are six other accommodations which offer different amenities and experiences, all worth staying to enjoy the canyon. Canyon Reservations

There are many activities to enjoy while at the Canyon from guided tours to mule trips. Doing research and deciding in advance is recommended especially if traveling with children. Canyon Activities

Sedona Arizona: Red Rock Country

Approaching Sedona, you can't help but take a gasp, it is a true nature playground, offering captivating red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain. In addition to the awesome rock formations, Oak Creek Canyon is a must see.

One of the wonderful things about Sedona is that it serves as a four season playground and many visitors take advantage of the abundant sunshine and clean air. The annual average high and low temperatures are 74.7 and 45.7 degrees.

While it is easy to spend days in Sedona exploring its many red rock trails, sacred sites and vortexes, it is not so easy to to fit all you may want to do in the time of your visit. The hiking is amazing, our family enjoyed the mountain biking, you can camp, fish, horseback ride, take a jeep tour, ride in a hot air balloon, gaze at the stars, if there is an activity you can think of, Sedona offers it.

The White Mountains, New Hampshire

Home to the Northeast's highest peak, Mount Washington, the White Mountains in New Hampshire offers one exciting experience after another. The White Mountains offer year round opportunities to engage with nature. From beautiful foliage in the fall, fantastic skiing in the winter, refreshing hikes in the spring and all kinds of outdoor fun in the summer, a traveler can never run out of things to do.
While visiting the mountains, there are a few must see attractions.

The Flume George is a must. As you enjoy your nature walk, you will discover amazing waterfalls, covered bridges, caves, pools and gorgeous mountain views.
The summit at Mount Washington. To get to the top is an adventure. You can either take the Mt. Washington Auto Road, or the Cog Railway.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, offer many scenic wonders and adventures. Exploring boulder caves and panning for fossils are among the nature activities that await visitors.
Ski Mountains. Both Loon and Wildcat Mountain both offer unique ways to explore the mountains. From the adventurous zip-line to amazing views of Tukermans Ravine (a glacial cirque), visiting these two ski mountains offer a variety of options!