You did it – made it to the weekend. Congratulations, and Happy Frolic Friday! Time to “let your hair down” and go #playoutdoors!

Why not…

• Get a good long walk or bike ride in. Watch and listen for wildlife native to your area.
• Make a thermos of hot cocoa or hot cider and go stargazing in the backyard or in a favorite outdoor spot. (@rshreeves just reviewed Taza organic Mexican chocolate at Mother Nature Network. Yum!)
• Check out a local nature center for programming — they offer nature crafts, night hikes, animal lectures and more.

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do — just unplug, and get out there and have some fun. Time in nature is a great way to reconnect with yourself and your family and friends.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: nightthree

“Trees are your best antiques.”

~ Alexander Smith

Happy Frolic Friday! It’s time to put on your sneakers or hiking boots, and get out there and enjoy some much-needed time in nature. This weekend, make sure to make time away from chores and errands to play and recharge your batteries.

Why not…

• Plant a tree! Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs, so get diggin’.
• Hug a tree! That’s right — I said hug. This is a classic activity to do with kids or even groups of adults.
• Get crafty and make leaf rubbings. I don’t care how old I get, this is still one of my favorite activities!

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do, just get outside and play this weekend. Mother Nature is waiting…

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to find the world’s most perfect maple leaf.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: di_the_huntress

Happy Halloween, my nature detectives! I know you are busy with the ghosts and goblins today, so let’s get right to it.

Put on those thinking caps and good luck cracking the case!

CRITTER CLUES:

• I am found throughout a large part of North America;
• My habitat is swampy forests and wet woodland areas;
• My diet includes frogs, rodents, and crayfish; and
• Along with a few other critters, I am a symbol of Halloween

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!

Between the parties, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating this weekend, make some time to get out and connect with the nature in your neighborhood.

And don’t forget to let everyone know what you see! Join the Wildobs community and report your wildlife observations. It’s a great way to keep track of your wild adventures and share info with others.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: JoshuaDavisPhotography.COM