The Grass Stain Guru » outdoor play

Mystery Critter #38

Bethe — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:34:11 +0000

Happy weekend, my nature detectives! Time to play a little guessing game to keep your wildlife spotting skills up to snuff.

So, put on your thinking caps and let’s play Mystery Critter. And remember — no cheating!

CRITTER CLUES:

I am a ground dweller
You can see me more readily in winter
My color varies throughout North America
My diet consists of seeds and small fruit
I am territorial

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.

There’s so much wonder waiting for you when you step outside your door. Take the time to look up — and down — and reconnect with the natural world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Jason Mraz Digs Playing Outside!

Bethe — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:36:29 +0000

Who can argue with a good tune and the Muppets?

Um, NOBODY!

Unplug yourself and the kids in your world and get out there and play like you mean it. The whole-wide world is waiting, and it’s beautiful.

See ya outside!~ The Grass Stain Guru

Dream a Little Dream…

Bethe — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:23:15 +0000

It’s the dreaming season, the season to imagine a spring, summer and fall full of nature, gardening, exploring, playing outdoors, and getting grass stains.

For nature’s critters winter is a time for survival, but for us it’s the season of imagination, hope, creativity, and planning. A time to regroup, clear away the old, and bring in the new; a time to gain new knowledge to take out into the woods, fields, and open spaces of our gardens, neighborhoods, and communities.

So, what are you learning and planning? How about:

designing a garden bed of herbs and edible flowers
learning about vegetable gardening and ordering seeds
choosing a few native shrubs to attract and feed wild birds in your garden
picking a composting method to use when spring comes
finding an outdoor-friendly preschool or summer camp for your children
planning an outdoor nature group for kids
researching a camping trip for your family vacation

The dreaming season is a wonderful time. It doesn’t matter what you are planning, just be sure to get dreaming about what you’ll do outdoors. Make a plan to do it!

Guest Blogger Bio: Alison Kerr is a writer who is passionate about the Earth, nature, gardening, good food, and her family. You can read Alison’s work on Loving Nature’s Garden and follow her on Twitter @AlisonKerr.

photo credit: ms.Tea