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Today’s challenge is to climb a tree!

Climbing a tree can be a thrilling experience for a kid (or an adult!) - taking on the challenge and being able to see surroundings from a much higher angle - it’s pretty exciting! Most kids are naturally inclined to climb sensibly, not going too high and doing what feels comfortable to him/her. However, it can be helpful to discuss a few tips to make climbing safer, easier and less stressful for the onl…

Nature Connection Challenge Day 50 - Observe Trees Up Close

Today’s challenge is to get up close to different trees and take notice of all the details and differences. Look closely at the bark on the trunks of a few different trees - does it have ridges? Is the bark flaky or smooth? Dark or light? Is moss or lichen growing on it? What about the buds and leaves? What are the shapes and colors on various trees?

When you slow down and get up close to trees you begin to notice distinct differences…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 49 - Dig For Worms

Did you know that scientists consider earthworms a keystone species for preserving life on earth? These wiggly workers help create healthy soil, a crucial component for all plant life. These under-appreciated creatures are necessary for us to grow healthy foods, breathe clean air and have thriving ecosystems.

Today’s Challenge is to get your hands dirty and dig up some worms. Take a few moments to watch them and appreciate how something so …

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 48 - Plant Seeds

Today’s challenge is to plant seeds! Work on your vegetable garden or plant a few flower or vegetable seeds in a pot. If you don’t have any seeds, venture out to your local garden center to pick some up or ask a friend if they have extra to spare. It can feel so good to work the soil with your hands, and several studies show that gardening can improve your health! What better way to connect with nature than to get a little dirty, plant some see…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 47 - Take a Relaxing Rainy Day Walk

Rainy days can be the toughest ones to get outside, but if you dress for the weather it can be quite enjoyable! Wear layers if it’s cold and appropriate rain gear to stay dry - rain coat, hat, rain boots, rain pants if you have them. If you have an umbrella - use it! Rainy walks under an umbrella can feel very peaceful. You may wish to take a few quiet moments to close your eyes and listen to the rain as it falls and imagine …

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 46 - Take a Hike

Here in Maine there are hundreds of off-the-beaten-path trails, land trusts and preserves where you can hike while still maintaining a safe distance from others. Today’s challenge is to go for a hike in the woods. Move your body, breathe some fresh air and take in all the natural beauty that surrounds you. You’ll be glad you did.

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 45 - Nature Journaling

Nature journaling can be a great way to connect with our natural surroundings. You can use it to record what is happening in the natural world as the seasons change, to write prose or poetry about your experiences in nature and keep track of animals and plants you identify.

Take time today to write in a nature journal. If you don’t have one, start one. Take it outside with you along with a pen or pencil and some colored pencils or marker…

Today we invite you to build a rock tower (also called a cairn) outside. Doing this slowly and mindfully, placing each stone thoughtfully, can be quite relaxing. How tall can you make it before it topples over?

Nature Connection Challenge Day 43 - MAGnificent Beings

Today’s nature challenge will require the use of a magnifying lens.

Wander and explore your nature space using your magnifying lens, taking care to notice the many beings present.

There is so much variety and diversity in the forest, from the biggest to the smallest. We are limited to what we can see with our human vision. What if we had a way to see things with a different perspective and in greater detail? One way to see things with en…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 42 - Make Silly Nature Faces

Have some fun today! Find some materials from the nature and use them to make silly faces. Can you make faces that show different emotions? Make them look very old or like a baby? Make animal faces? Experiment, observe and enjoy. Take a picture of your silly faces and share them with us on Facebook or Instagram.