It’s Saturday, which means only one thing here at The Grass Stain Guru: time to play Mystery Critter!

I love sharing my enthusiasm for critters and hearing about yours. So, without further ado, let’s play.

Put on your thinking caps and off we go!

CRITTER CLUES:

• I am found in most of North America, but not in the southwest
• You can find me in gardens, woodlands, and parks
• You may hear me before you see me
• I like to “mix it up” and hang out with other species
• You might see me near you more often in winter

What am I? Make your guess then go to eNature for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?

If not, no worries. You will have another chance next week!

Now, head outside and see what critters you can spot in your neck of the woods! Winter is a great time of year to spot wildlife.  Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

Don’t forget, making time to unplug and reconnect with nature is important for all of us — big kids and little kids, alike.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: hagwall

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Have a young explorer in your world — a child, grandchild, niece/nephew, or child you babysit? Want a secret weapon up your sleeve? Pack a Nature Knapsack.

Find an inexpensive backpack that fits the child. A ratty old one they no longer use for school works great. Remember, it is going to see a lot of dirt, mud, and grass stains — so you don’t want to be afraid to let it get dirty. DIRTY!

SUGGESTED CONTENTS:

• magnifying glass
• bug boxes
• small notebook and pencil or animal sticker book for very young children
• compass (depending on the age of the child)
• old butter tubs or glass jars w/ lids (holes poked in either type of lid; catch & release rules apply!)
• inexpensive binoculars
• field guide
• water bottle
• baggies or containers for collecting items

No pressure to fill it with all these goodies. Add as many or as few as you like — and you can add over time, as the child ages. Hang it by the door or put it in a special place in the child’s room and they will be ready to go explore any time and see what Mother Nature has to offer!

Exploring the natural world is a never-ending game of chance and wonder, and far healthier than playing video games or watching TV. A Nature Knapsack can help you encourage  time outdoors for the kids in your world. Who knows, you may just want to pack one for yourself, too. (Um, mine is red.)

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: kthypryn