Connecting children to the outdoors

This article was first published in the Summer 2004 edition of INHF's quarterly magazine.

by Pamela L. Holz

Learning about nature has never been easier. With a click of the mouse, we can watch a family of swans grow up through a web-cam. We can flip through channels to see otters frolicking on shore.

While these technologies have value, what will the future hold if upcoming generations perceive nature only intellectually, through the filter of a screen? Kids must experience nature in person to truly connect with it. Though educational outings and summer camps have their place, kids' most memorable nature experiences generally occur in the company of a significant adult-like a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend.

Here are some ideas for giving the children in your life enduring memories of nature:

Investigations: Some children become really absorbed by in-depth and up-close investigations. Enhance this desire with simple tools: jars for temporary keeping, magnifiers, thermometers, etc. Try scavenger hunts or themes. Help children use all their senses to explore the world (but be cautious with wild edibles). Observe changes through the seasons and create a phenology calendar (recording the "firsts" of the seasons-such as first sunflower or first migrating warbler). Allow kids to get wet or dirty.

Backyard Exploration: In addition to exploring "official" wild places, help your child see nature's wonders in your own yard. Attract wildlife by creating a more favorable habitat with food, water and shelter for various animals. Let your child help plan the site and assist with plantings. Set up different feeding stations and observe behavior and food preference.

Nature and the Arts: Supplement outdoor experiences with the arts. Create journals for you and your child and spend time at favorite spots writing and drawing. Use colored pencils, markers and other material. Try different perspectives: look at a tree from the ground up or limit your perspective to a small "window." At home, read nature-themed literature together and share stories of your own adventures.

Stewardship: Ethical behavior can be instilled in a child of any age. Know the park rules, teach respect for nature and other park users, and observe wildlife carefully. For animals that can be safely handled, do so with care and then release them gently where you found them. If you lift up a stone or log, place it back. Remember to be careful of flowers and other plants, both alive and dead. You may also wish to volunteer in a park with your child to acquire a sense of ownership.

Conservation knowledge: Don't be concerned about limits in your personal knowledge. Appreciation, especially for younger children, is more important than knowledge. Besides, emotional memories will last much longer than isolated facts, thereby furthering your child's connection to nature. Face information gaps as an exciting opportunity to learn with your child.

These are just some of the ways to connect your child to the outdoors--and strengthen family bonds in the process. Meanwhile, you will be instilling appreciation and respect for our natural heritage that will encourage better stewardship as your child reaches adulthood.

NOTE: Create your own adventures using the ideas plus additional tips -- and/or find family-friendly events offered by your county conservation board or other conservation groups.

Variations on a theme:
Some kids get more out of nature experiences if they're looking for specific things-especially on a favorite topic. Here are examples for tree lovers:

• Adopt a tree. Choose a tree to study over the course of one year and record its changes.
• Think about the statement "a tree never lives alone." Find trees in varying stages of life (and death) and record the organisms found there.
• Plant a tree and watch it grow.
• Find fallen leaves and discover which tree is the source.
• Make a booklet out of leaf and bark rubbings.
• Look for a tree that has been cut down and count the rings. Can you figure out which were good growing years and which were bad?

More outdoor tips:

• Choose sites near home; return often to help the child's connection to the place grow over successive visits.
• Dress for the weather-and stash extra clothes in case of weather changes, falling in the creek, etc. Include a hat for protection from sun and insects.
• Pack such essentials as water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• If available, bring a trail map to teach your child basic map skills. As the child grows older, have him/her navigate.
• Be aware of any local hazards. For example, learn to recognize poison ivy, nettles and wild parsnip.
• Visit different landscapes: hills, woods, prairies, wetlands, caves, etc.
• Explore the night world by covering your flashlight with red cellophane (red light) so you can keep your night vision intact without alarming wildlife--or simply use the bright full moons of autumn to light your path.

Pam Holz, author of this article, has provided an extensive collection of additional resources about creating fun outdoor experiences for kids. Check out the complete list--from what to pack for an outdoor day trip to outdoor scavenger hunts, night activities, an Iowa birding list and much more!

Pamela L. Holz is the naturalist for the Washington County Conservation Board and co-chair for the Iowa Conservation Education Council.