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Nature Connection Challenge - Day 91 - Have a Camp Out

Sleeping outdoors can be a great way to attune your body to the rhythms of nature, unwind, and have some unplugged fun. You don’t have to go far from home to enjoy a night out under the stars, though. If you can’t get to a faraway camping destination, try pitching a tent in your backyard or find a local campground. Enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of nature and waking up to sunlight and birds chirping.

Nature Connection Challenge Day 90 - Go for a Waterfall Hike

There’s something magical about hiking to a waterfall, and believe it or not, there are many waterfall hikes in Maine! Today we challenge you to walk a trail that includes a waterfall - or make plans to visit one of these trails in the near future. Need help finding one? Try the links below to articles describing waterfall hikes in Maine. Also, you may want to check out a Through the Trees’ staff favorite waterfall hike in Phippsburg,…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 89 - Look Under Leaves and Logs

Today our challenge is to spend a little time exploring the dark, damp habitats of critters that live under leaves and logs. Carefully, roll back a small log or look under dead leaves to see what lives underneath. You may find worms, insects, salamanders and more! Be sure to be gentle if handling any of these beings and put them back in their homes and leave their habitat as you found it.

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 88 - Write a Nature-Inspired Poem

Have you ever heard of a Triante poem? Todays challenge is to use this poetry structure to write a poem about your sensory experience in nature. In a Triante, the first line has one word, the second line two words and so on. In this particular poem, each line will also represent one of the senses.

Here’s how it works:

1. Line one - one word (title)

2. Line two - two words (smell)

3. Line three - three words (touch)

4. …

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 87 - Breathe With A Tree

Research shows that deep breathing can reduce stress, improve immune function and reduce pain in the body. A recent study in Japan shows that being in an area with lots of trees can have a similar stress reducing effect. Trees give off chemicals called phytoncides which strengthen the immune system when you breathe them in. Todays challenge combines these two powerful techniques to promote mental and physical well being. Take time to co…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 86 - Build a Shelter (Fort)

There are many types of shelters - some are more complicated and some are very simple. Some use only natural materials, while others use synthetic cordage and tarps. While there are strategic methods for building weather-tight shelters, it is also fun to create your own, however you feel drawn to do so. It doesn’t need to be anything more than a space to play or be in. Shelter (or fort) building without any instruction allows creativit…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 85 - Look for Butterflies

Today, go outside and look for butterflies! Notice what flowers they are attracted to and how much time they spend at each flower. Observe their travels and how high they fly or how they flutter with the breeze. How many butterflies can you spot today?

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 84 - Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Going on a scavenger hunt can be a fun way for people of all ages to engage their senses and expand awareness of nature’s abundance. Slow down, pay attention and see what you can find.

Try to find:

1. An oak leaf

2. An acorn

3. A maple leaf

4. A birch tree

5. A smooth rock

6. A twisted stick

7. An animal footprint

8. A bird’s nest

9. A pinecone

10. A fern

11. A mushroom

12. A cloud that looks like an anim…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 83 - Establish a Sit Spot Outside

Today we challenge you to locate a place that can be a designated Sit Spot outside. this place should feel safe, comfortable and ideally be a place you can visit daily or a few times a week. It may be a spot on the ground under a tree. It could be a rock by a stream. Perhaps it’s a grassy area in your backyard or even on your front steps. If you are not able to get outside, making a comfortable space by a window overlooking th…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 82 - Forage Red Clover

Red Clover (Trifolium pretense) is an edible and medicinal plant. It is known as a blood cleanser and deoxer in the herbalist community. Blossoms and leaves are used in tea and tinctures. As food, red clover leaves and blossoms are added to salads, soups and sauteed with vegetables.

Your challenge today is to locate red clover in an area where no pesticides or herbicides have been sprayed and collect some of the plants. Be sure you have …