Howdy my favorite nature detectives! I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break, working on some other projects. But I’m back, and ready to get my critter on! Hope you are, too.

Put those noodles to the test with this wildlife mystery.  And remember — no peaking at the answer before you take your guess! 

CRITTER CLUES:

1. OK, I’m stinky, but calling me “foul” is just not nice!
2. I am a fan of slow moving fresh water.
3. Rotting logs play an important role in my life.
4. I have a long, flexible neck.
5. If you don’t see me where you live, you can certainly see one of my cousins.

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right? 

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

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Exploring the natural world with children is a special treat. Get lost in the wonder and awe that only Mother Nature can provide.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 Top photo credit: downing.amanda

Howdy my favorite nature detectives! It’s time for the very first Mystery Critter of 2012. My how time flies!

Nature. Wildlife. Critters. Life just isn’t the same without them — especially childhood. That’s what inspired my Mystery Critter series oh so long ago.

So put on your best thinking caps and let’s get to it. And remember — no peaking at the answer before you take your guess!

CRITTER CLUES:

1. You can see me or one of my cousins in most of North America.
2. I can make my home in a variety of habitats — meadows, forests, grasslands, swamps and prairies.
3. I am a favorite of children.
4. I am solitary.
5. I can run up to 15 miles per hour.

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Or here, for an even deeper look.

Did you get it right? 

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

For some extra fun for the kids, check out the great site Earth Rangers. Critters really are amazing!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Exploring the natural world with children is a special treat. Get lost in the wonder and awe that only Mother Nature can provide.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: USFWS Mountain Prairie

8 – 0. 80. This is our 80th case together — can you believe it?!

Nature. Wildlife. Critters. Life just isn’t the same without them — especially childhood. That’s what inspired my Mystery Critter series oh so long ago.

So put on your best thinking caps and let’s get to it. And remember — no peaking at the answer before you take your guess!

CRITTER CLUES:

1. I am a real beauty (um, if I do say so myself!)
2. I will be hard to spot this time of year since I tend to head to Mexico for the winter
3. My name sounds like it was given to me by an artist
4. I like to be by the water
5. In the summer, you can find me in parks and open woodlands

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right? 

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

For some extra fun for the kids, check out the great site Earth Rangers. Critters really are amazing!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Exploring the natural world with children is a special treat. Get lost in the wonder and awe that only Mother Nature can provide.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: Mr Lujan!

Nature. Wildlife. Critters. Life just isn’t the same without them — especially childhood. That’s what inspired my Mystery Critter series oh so long ago. And here we are at our 79th case together. Can you believe it?!

So put on your best thinking caps and let’s get to it. And remember — no peaking at the answer before you take your guess!

CRITTER CLUES:

So what am I?! 

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right? 

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

For some extra fun for the kids, check out the great site Earth Rangers. Critters really are amazing!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Exploring the natural world with children is a special treat. Get lost in the wonder and awe that only Mother Nature can provide.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: matsber

“Childhood is the fiery furnace in which we are melted down to essentials and that essential shaped for good.”

~ Katherine Anne Porter

As a speaker and writer, and I hope, a thought-leader on childhood issues, I spend a lot of time speaking to parents, educators and other grown-ups. People who work with kids, have kids, care about kids.

But today I want to speak to the kids. Because they deserve to be part of this conversation too. As we advocate for a healthy, happy childhood let’s keep those we are advocating for in the loop.  Hopefully, some of their grown-ups listen in.

10 Things I Wish for Today’s Kids:

1. That the media stops scaring the crap out of your parents 24-7, so that they think the only place you are safe is tucked away in the house.

2. That the decision-makers get down to business with true education reform so that you have the opportunity to learn to LOVE to learn, and not just learn (um, maybe) what will be on a test.

3. That we “grown-ups” stop being so lawsuit happy, so that liability is not the first thing on the minds of educators, parks and recreation professionals, community associations, and other parents. I hope with all my might that you are actually allowed to play, take risks and have fun in this life.

4. That you realize that you have choices, and the right to make mistakes — and the world will not stop spinning when you do. I promise, even when it feels that way.

5. That your parents set a limit on screen time. I know, you don’t want to hear this, but trust me on this one – it’s a must. The view on life when you lift your eyes from the screen is amazing.

6. That you learn to LOVE to read. Even if they do make a movie about it, you can bet the book is better. Learn to get lost in a story and try your hand at writing your own.

7. That you spend every moment you can outside. Check out the woods, the beach, the mountains, and everything else in between. Let nature awe you.

8. That you learn to be fearless, bold, and let your freak flag wave. I don’t mean live dangerously — but I do mean have the guts and gumption to really live and don’t be afraid to be yourself.

9. That you don’t get everything you want, that things don’t always come easily to you, that sometimes you fall flat on your face, and that you figure out (um, eventually) that these are all good things. (And that your parents LET you fail sometimes.)

10. That you get the freedom to breathe and the space to explore the world and figure out who you are in it.

So, that’s it. I have a lot of hopes and wishes for you guys, but what I want most of all is for you to grow up knowing how to appreciate life as the rich and fascinating ride that it is, and to know how to dust yourselves off and pick yourselves up when things get tough, because they will.

Oh that, and to really know how to laugh – deep, from the belly, bone-stirring laughter. It’s one of the greatest skills you can ever learn.

Enjoy the ride and great good luck, kiddos. I will be rooting for you.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: Dottie Mae

Howdy my favorite nature detectives! Just back from speaking to a group of folks about getting kids outside — and of course, the benefit of seeing critters!

So, let’s get to our Mystery Critter! Put on those thinking caps and remember — no cheating!

CRITTER CLUES:

• I hibernate
• You won’t see me during the day
• I make my home in rural areas, cities and towns
• I can be found throughout North America

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right?

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

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Let your hair down and go play in nature this weekend. You’ll be glad you did.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: treehouse1977

TGSG Note: Welcome to a special edition of Mystery Critter! When my friend Cheecker said he wanted to stop by and play I could hardly stand myself I was so excited. Celebrity spokes-squirrel in da house! Enjoy! ~ Bethe

OK fellow nature lovers, it’s time to put on your thinking caps and crack this week’s case. Can Cheecker stump you, or are you a master nature detective?

Let the games begin! And remember — no cheating.

CRITTER CLUES:

• I live mostly in the Eastern part of North America. I shy away from urban forests and only spend my time in wooded areas and brush lands.
• I’m an omnivore, so I eat everything from berries to grasshoppers to mice!
• I have really good hearing and can hear even the smallest animals digging underground.
• They say I’m sly, only because I’m very cautious and can learn from my experiences.
• I have rust colored, bushy fur and a long tail with a white tip.

What am I?

Make your guess, and then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?! If not, no worries — you’ll have another chance next week!

Have fun exploring the great outdoors! ~ Cheecker

Cheecker’s Bio: As official spokes-squirrel for the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council’s Re-Connecting Kids with Nature campaign, Cheecker is looking to get more families to discover their nearest forest or park. He shares his tips and tricks on where to go and what to do in the forest daily on Twitter. Aside from acting as forest steward, Cheecker enjoys climbing trees, running fast and hoarding acorns for winter. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is up to.

Cheecker is only one of many resources the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council have developed to get families back out into nature and ultimately create the next generation of environmental enthusiasts. For more information about this campaign visit: www.DiscoverTheForest.org or www.facebook.com/discovertheforest.

 photo credit: treehouse1977

Many of us on the east coast are prepping for a hurricane — power outages and lots of indoor time. I say, along with the batteries, bottled water and canned food, be sure that your emergency preparedness kit includes some fun.

Make sure to add cards and games — whether you have children or not. Play helps reduce stress and games that require a bit of strategy and concentration can help you focus on something other than whats going on outside.  I personally find coloring very relaxing, so crayons and paper or a gorgeous coloring book always make me happy.

Here are 5 ideas for indoor play this weekend and beyond:

1. Pitch a tent — inside! Let the kids pretend they are camping, complete with sleeping bags and granola. Having a place to zip out the world and pretend will be a welcome escape and invitation for fun. No tent? No problem! Let them make a tent or fort out of sheets, tarps or tablecloths.
2. Have a story circle. Read a favorite story aloud and then as a family, make up the next chapter of the story. Vary this based on the ages of the child as needed. You can have one person in the circle start a story and then pass it on to the next person to chime in or simply have people shout out story elements (like an improv show) to the story teller. 
3. Kick it old school with cards and board games. Dust off family faves like Uno or Manopoly or take the time to teach the kids games you loved as a child. Focus on fun, not competition.
4. Have a sing along. No, i’m not kidding. Pretend you’re sitting around a camp fire or are on a road trip and sing together. Have an acoustic guitar — even better! Music has amazing powers to help us relax and is a great escape.
5. Make a mural. In the basement? Why not add some color and beauty to a drab wall? if not, butcher paper, printer paper — whatever you have on hand can be used to make a family masterpiece together. It will also be a great reminder of how you are all able to pitch together and weather any storm.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: rickprokosch

Hello, my favorite nature detectives!

After a bit of a summer vacation, it’s back — the Mystery Critter game.  Hey, sometimes even critters need a rest!

So, make a Guru happy and get your play in nature on!  It’s time to get outside and see what wild wonders you can find.  So put on your thinking caps and let’s get to it! And remember — no cheating.

CRITTER CLUES:

• Late summer is a good time to see me in action
• While I love open woodlands, I often stray into different habitats
• My name sounds a bit slangish
• You can find me throughout most of the southern states in North America, and my cousins in others

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 soon!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Let your hair down and go play in nature this weekend. You’ll be glad you did.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: downing.amanda