There are a lot places out there selling caterpillars for you and your young ones to rear and set free. Here’s a secret…you don’t need to buy caterpillars! Read on and learn how you can cecome the coolest parent on the block by raising your own caterpillars safely, easily, and cheaply! Read the rest »

Earth Day is April 22nd, and no matter where you live in North Carolina, there is plenty going on! Are you looking for events and activities for you and your family? You need look no further than the Environmental Education Calendar hosted by the Office of Environmental Education. Simply type in your zip code and how far you are able to travel. It’s that easy! Even better…it’s not just for Earth Day! You can use the new calendar any day of the year to find fun, educational outdoor events and activities happening across North Carolina!

When you are out with your kids, chances are wild animals aren’t appearing for observation all too often. Besides the fact that us humans tend to be noisy, we’re also usually rushing from one thing to the next, often paying very little attention to the world around us. While I can’t promise you spontaneous wildlife appearances, I will say that if you’re willing to slow down and look around, you will likely from signs of animals all around you.

Tracks
While you might not see the animals themselve, they often leave their tracks behind. Snow-covered and muddy conditions are especially good for this. Tracks can help you and your kids identify what kind of critter has been around. Whether or not you can determine the track-maker, however, the tracks can tell you a lot about that animal. How was it moving? Were the tracks close together or far apart? The farther apart they are, the faster the animal was probably going. Here are a few fun facts that you can use to impress your kids while your out searching for animal tracks: Read the rest »

Birds chirping and chicks hatching are things associated with warmer weather, but birds plan ahead! It’s time to put up your bluebird box. Don’t have a bluebird box? Don’t know what a bluebird looks like? Read on to find out what you’re missing. Putting up a bluebird box around your house is a great way for you and your family to get outside.

Why put up a bluebird box? Bluebirds have historically nested in tree cavities that other birds leave behind. Through the mid-1900s, many of their natural nesting cavities disappeared as trees were cut down and wooden fenceposts removed. Bluebird boxes, sold at most hardware stores, garden centers and many other retail locations, provide a great place for bluebirds to live. Plus, it’s a great way for you and your kids to get a close-up look at bluebird eggs and nestlings! Read the rest »