"Ann, I saw a tufted titmouse at my feeder this morning."

"I saw a red-bellied woodpecker at my suet feeder."

"I saw a red-tailed hawk in a tree."

"Me too."

This is how I am greeted at school each morning. Melissa and I are teaching the Explorers about birds and, wow, are they learning. In late October, we put a bird feeder in a classroom window. Tufted…

As winter wanes here are two books to put on the winter reading list for next year.

Earlier this winter, Jessica, our local librarian, visited the Explorer’s classroom. She always chooses fun, beautiful, interesting books that have a nature theme or are just off the presses.

Librarians are a great resource when looking for books to share with children.  And nature-based books provide a wonderful way to introduce and connect children to nature.

These are the…

Just before Christmas, Aurora's Brownie Troop made coupons as Christmas gifts for their mothers and fathers. The coupons read:

• This coupon entitles you to 1 big hug.
• This coupon entitles you to 1 set table: knives, forks, spoons, napkins and even beverages.
• This coupon entitles you to the last cookie, serving of ice cream, bit of chocolate milk,…

Twas the night before Christmas, All the animals stood

In the crisp peaceful silence, Of their home in the wood.

The trees towered in might, Their branches did clatter,

As the squirrels come out, Of their nests, pitter patter.

The deer came together, they met, they communed

And from beyond the hilltop, rose the…

Three years ago I was introduced to a wonderful holiday celebration. Stephen was attending a great preschool and the holiday season was approaching. Notices came home saying that a Winter Walk was planned and parents were invited to join in. During the weeks prior to the walk-date the children strung popcorn and cranberries, dried fruit slices, covered pinecones with peanut butter and…

Each year, I plant amaryllis bulbs for the holidays. I plant them for my house and for gifts. The recipients of these gifts vary, but their reaction to these gifts do not. All—family, friends, teachers, co-workers—who receive one of these dramatic plants are delighted and curious. There is something magical about a flower growing in the middle of winter. And there is something amazing…

African Cats is a documentary that was released by Disney Nature last year on Earth Day. It is a true story that features two star felines: Mara, a lion cub, and Sita, a cheetah mother of five. Both cats live on the Savannah in Africa.

The film has the dramatic power that comes from…

“Pay attention to the birds.” That is what I say to my children, my students, and visitors who come to Barking Frog Farm. There is a lot to see if you tune in to their activity. Watch for clues. During the day birds eat, look for new food sources, build and repair nests, patrol their area for predators that need to be chased away. In the spring, they also lay and protect eggs, feed…

Every spring, I pass by yards full of daffodils and wish my yard was full of daffodils too. I especially like the way these bright spring flowers look scattered throughout a lawn or field.

Last fall I decided to buy and plant bulbs: daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. (…

During a recent class hike to Berry Berry Island, I found an owl pellet on the side of the trail. I know a little bit about owl pellets and have heard stories of people finding owl pellets, but I had never seen one. What I saw on the ground was a dark gray felty-looking oval-shaped lump speckled with white shapes.

Ben, a boy in my class, was with me when I found the pellet. I…

New Year's Day, a new beginning, a fresh start, a time of evaluation and resolutions. I recently wrote about New Year's pledges of conservation, awareness, protection and stewardship. Now, I am thinking about intentions—how and who I want to be as I walk upon this planet. Intentions are thoughts focused on images of how we want to be in each moment of our lives, today, right now.…

Just before Christmas, Aurora’s Brownie Troop made coupons as Christmas gifts for their mothers and fathers. The coupons read:

This is my 100th post. I have been anticipating this milestone for a long time. As I wondered about the 100th post and possible topics, my mind would fill with ideas. I wanted it to be moving, meaningful, and inspiring. The 100th post idea started to develop a pressure-filled voice of its own. "It's got to be…