It’s already February 2025, and if you’re anything like me, those grand “new year, new me” ambitions might be feeling a little less grand (and a bit more guilt-inducing). If you’ve been trying to keep up with a nature challenge—like 1000 Hours Outside—maybe you colored in a few squares on your tracker, only to watch the routine fizzle out. Trust me, I’ve been there.

But here’s what I’ve learned while writing my book (coming Spring 2026!): We don’t need marathon hours outside to make meaningful memories. It’s the little bursts—those fifteen minutes spotting a bird or crunching through morning frost—that really nurture our family bonds. Even brief moments in nature can brighten our children’s days and rejuvenate our own spirits.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share the February 2025 Nature Connection Calendar. Like January’s calendar, these 28 simple prompts are designed for all families—whether you live downtown, in the suburbs, or on a winding country road. Pick the ones that fit your busy schedule, or follow them in order. Either way, enjoy the chance to pause, look up, and appreciate the subtle signs of the season.

Remember: even the smallest adventures can have the biggest impact on your family’s well-being. So go ahead, embrace winter’s lingering chill, and discover its hidden joys—one nature-filled moment at a time.

Print & Post: Download and print the February 2025 Nature Connection Moments calendar and hang it somewhere visible—like the fridge or a family bulletin board. Having it front and center makes it easy to remember the daily prompts.

Pick Your Pace: Each day suggests a nature-focused activity, but there’s no rule saying you must follow it in order. If you miss a day, that’s okay! Simply choose a prompt that fits your family’s schedule or the current weather.

Plan Ahead: Some activities (like “Ice Suncatcher” on February 18) might need a little prep or supplies. Glance at the calendar to see what’s coming, and gather any items you may need. Most prompts rely on materials you likely already have on hand, but checking early helps you avoid last-minute scrambles.

Stay Flexible: Not every suggestion will be ideal for your family’s situation or location—feel free to skip or swap prompts. Love crafts? Focus on the creative days (like “Valentine’s Day Heart Craft” on February 14). More of an explorer? Emphasize outings like the “Great Backyard Bird Count” (February 15).

Engage the Senses: Encourage children to notice sounds, textures, colors, and scents. Whether you’re listening for crows (February 5) or spotting new conifer buds (February 19), prompt them to describe what they see, hear, and feel.

Capture the Moments: Take photos or jot quick notes in a journal—like the “Winter Memory Journal” (February 13)—to celebrate your nature discoveries. Sharing highlights (such as a successful “Winter Scavenger Hunt” on February 8 or a whimsical “Ice Suncatcher” on February 18) can inspire everyone to keep exploring. Feel free to tag your adventures with #natureconnectedfamily.

Celebrate Small Wins: Even if you only step outside for five minutes, it still counts! These micro-moments spark curiosity and joy, building a deeper family connection to the outdoors.

Combine Activities: If you’re already outside gathering materials for a “Winter Collage” (February 4), take a moment to “Notice Longer Days” (February 1). Modify prompts to fit your lifestyle—there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Reflect & Reset: At the end of the month, think back on which activities brought the most joy. Use these insights to guide your nature-connection habits in the months ahead and keep that outdoor momentum going strong.

Sam Gribley is terribly unhappy living in New York City with his family, so he runs away to the Catskill Mountains to live in the woods—all by himself. With only a penknife, a ball of cord, forty dollars, and some flint and steel, he intends to survive on his own. Sam learns about courage, danger, and independence during his year in the wilderness, a year that changes his life forever.