Hello, June! June bursts onto the scene with long, golden days, buzzing pollinators, and the full bloom of summer just beginning to unfold. School routines begin to fade, bare feet meet warm earth, and the world outside becomes a living invitation to explore,...
Ponds may be small, but they’re absolutely brimming with life! From the tiniest minibeasts darting beneath the water’s calm surface to the birds and critters that call the shoreline home, there’s always something new to discover. What better way to turn a simple...
Spring is the perfect time to visit a local pond, where tiny critters like dragonfly nymphs and water beetles are busy beneath the surface. Whether you're homeschooling, leading a nature group, or simply heading out for some pond-dipping fun, this spring pond...
Beneath the still surface of a pond lies a magical world of mini-beasts—creeping, swimming, and darting through the water in ways that never fail to amaze kids (and grown-ups too!). I’ll never forget the first time I took my children pond dipping. We were all so...
Whittling is often considered an adult-only activity—after all, handing a sharp knife to a child might seem risky or even downright crazy. But historically, whittling is exactly how older generations safely introduced children to responsible knife handling and...
The spring wildflowers of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia are a sight to behold. From mid-April through early June the dry hills of BC’s Interior burst into colour, drawing families outside for the year’s first big nature walk. Arrowleaf balsamroot (often...
Hello, May! May is a month of warming sunshine, blossoming blooms, and the busy hum of spring in full swing. The days stretch longer, the air carries the sweet scent of flowers, and everywhere you look life is unfolding anew. This is the perfect time to don your sun...
Are you co-parenting with nature? If not, you might want to consider making the natural world your partner in parenting. Nature-Connected Parenting, also described as "co-parenting with nature," is an intentional parenting approach that actively involves nature in...
Hello, April! April is a month of blossoming beauty, curious critters, and nature bursting back to life. The days are growing longer, the air smells fresher, and everywhere you look there are signs that spring is here to stay. This month invites us to step outside,...
Hello, March! This month brings big celestial and seasonal shifts, making it an exciting time to connect with nature. March’s full Worm Moon aligns with a total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon—a rare event visible across North America (weather permitting)....
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...
This past December, I had the joy of collaborating with Alex Bodden, president of the South Okanagan Naturalist Society, to bring the first-ever Christmas Bird Count for Kids to Penticton, BC. The event was a resounding success, sparking excitement among families and...
It’s officially 2025—a fresh start for everyone! The new year traditionally brings resolutions and lofty goals, but if you’re anything like me, those well-intended plans often slip away by February. I’ve especially struggled with the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge....
A Gentle Guide to Inspire Your Year Ahead: A Nudge Word As 2024 comes to close, I find myself entering into a state of soft reflection. I've never been one to end the year strong. Instead, I prefer to lean into the slower paced days that fill the void between...
Enjoy fall with a sensory nature scavenger hunt and bingo for kids! Engage all five senses in fun autumn activities. Download free printables for outdoor play!
On November 11th, Martinmas brings light, warmth and kindness into the encroaching darkness of late autumn. This traditional feast, also called St. Martin's Day, celebrates the feast of St. Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier from the 4th century that chose kindness and...