Backyard Camping Under The Stars

Each year, millions of Americans head out to their local campgrounds. Camping in the great outdoors is any camper’s dream; however, not everyone is able to camp at a campground or state park.  If you find it difficult or impossible to go camping, you may want to consider backyard camping.  You may very well find that it is the perfect backyard activity, especially in the evening. Although camping in your backyard may not...

Bird Watching Binoculars

Contrary to popular belief, bird watching is not just for scientific observation. It has actually become a favorite past time for many families. Bird watching is relaxing and peaceful. Those who take part in this activity say that it is, without a doubt, one the best leisurely activities available for those who love to get up close and personal with nature. If you are considering including bird watching to the list of...

Geo-caching: A Perfect Springtime Activity

Posted by Tami One of my favorite springtime activities is geo caching. It is adventure wrapped in fitness while spending time with your loved ones. I’m not sure how long this phenomenon has been going on around the country but I picked it up off the internet a few years ago. It is essentially a treasure hunt but the emphasis is on the adventure rather than the treasure. Truthfully, there never is really anything too...

Spring Fun For Kids

Submitted by Lea: Spring is one of my son’s favorite times. After a long cold winter, we look forward to spring fun like our long morning walks (weather permitting, of course – those spring storms don’t always make it easy!), time at the playground, and fun in the backyard sandbox. Bath days are his favorite days in the spring, because those are the days that he gets to go outside and get as muddy as he wants without...

Springtime Family Hiking

Hiking with your friends or family is a great chance to get outdoors, breathe some fresh air, and get active. It’s easy to get started. Just look for a trail in a national park near you! For your first day hike (hiking for a day or less without camping overnight), choose a safe, well-marked trail that doesn’t have too many steep climbs. Otherwise, you’ll get tired too early and won’t make it as far as...

Back Yard Birding: Part One

Spring is a great time of the year to use your back yard (or local park) to observe, learn about and enjoy our feathered friends. As you begin to enjoy the beauty of birdlife around your home, you may wish to improve the “habitat” in your yard so that more birds will visit your property. You can attract birds by placing bird feeders, nest boxes, and bird baths in your yard, and by planting a variety of trees,...

Backyard Birding: Part Two

***Please read part one first.*** Don’t forget water! The best way to provide water to your feathered friends is with a bird bath. BACKYARD BIRD BATHS Kindness is a birdbath. Your little circle of clean, cool water under a leafy branch is a kindness to the birds, because fresh clean water can sometimes be the hardest necessity for birds to come by. And it’s a kindness to yourself and your family, too, because...

Local Earth Day Events

National Wildlife Refuges around the country are planning special events in mid April to mark the 39 th annual celebration of Earth Day. The activities, timed to coincide with the March equinox, are meant to build awareness of the fragility of the earth’s environment and what ordinary people can do to help conserve and protect our natural resources. Earth Day is celebrated at many of the country’s more than 550 national...

Upcoming Local Events

Spring is a season of awakening, especially in the natural world. Go outside on one of America’s 550 National Wildlife Refuges to see what nature has to offer. There is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one about an hour’s drive from most metropolitan areas. 2009 Events Fri. April 17:  2nd Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo, Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana Land a big one and win a prize....