Earth Day is coming up this Wednesday, April 22nd, and while it may look a little different this year with the stay at home order, there are still lots of fun ways to celebrate with the family.
TAKE A NATURE WALK
Wake County has a number of local parks with great walking trails that are still open. Click HERE for more info on them.
NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT
While you’re on your walk, use this awesome nature SCAVENGER HUNT BINGO card from the NC State Parks for extra fun! Click HERE to download your own BINGO card.
EXPLORE & SHARE NATURE
Here's a great resource to share what you find, ask experts to tell you what something is (if you don't know), learn more about your observations: INATURALIST Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. Your findings are shared with scientific data repositories to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe, click & share!
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFARI
Many neighborhoods have already done this. How about starting one in your neighborhood? Create art incorporating animals: either photos of live or stuffed animals, original drawings, animal coloring pages, or sidewalk chalk. Display your animals in your neighborhood, either from your window or balcony, and encourage your neighbors to do the same!
LEARN ABOUT SEEDS & HOW TO GROW THEM
Check out this site EARTH SCIENCE to learn more about seeds and then grow them into plants! The kids will be fascinated and then you can plant them to grow your own food
PLANT A GARDEN
Now’s a great time to get a start on that garden you’ve been thinking about! Grow your own vegetables or herbs to supplement your grocery bill, or plant a tree to help the Earth! We're starting with herbs & pollinator flowers this year. Planted them in smaller raised beds & are excited to see some of them coming up already.
MAKE A BIRD FEEDER
Construct a simple bird feeder using the pine cones laying around your yard, or get fancy with this WOODEN DIY KIT!
EARTH DAY CRAFT IDEAS
There are tons of great options for Earth Day crafts. Here is a great RESOURCE for easy to do options.
**Bonus if you can use recycled materials or items found in nature!
TRAVEL OUR EARTH VIRTUALLY
Have you and/or your child ever been curious about our national parks? Google has created VIRTUAL TOURS of many famous landmarks and national parks, so you can travel from the comfort of your own home! Many museums have also posted virtual visits so you can check out their treasures.
We have already made a difference in our world by staying home. Less air, water & other environmental pollution. I hope this time will encourage all of us to take good care of our Earth Mother and have fun while doing it!