The Berks Conservancy works to ensure that the natural wonders in Berks County are preserved so that our children can appreciate and enjoy the outdoors when they get older.
It’s easy to introduce children to the natural world. Take them outside to a local park or your own backyard and introduce them to the wonders of the “unplugged” world. Bestselling author Richard Louv offers a field guide full of tips for getting kids outside in his book, “Last Child in the Woods.” Next are some of the easiest ways to get outside RIGHT NOW, with your family.
- Revive old traditions. Collect lightning bugs, leaves and stones and explore your own backyard. While you are out there, take your camera and photograph nature!
- Engage grandparents. Who has better memories of playing outside?
- Adopt the “sunny day rule.” When the sun’s out, unplug. (Works for rainy days, too.)
- Be a cloudspotter. Go “clouding” – no equipment required.
- Go birding. Urban or suburban, rural or wilderness. Who are your feathered neighbors?
- Got dirt? Let little kids dig with plastic shovels and pails.
- Adopt a tree. Take pictures of your favorite tree in different seasons and around different family events. How does it change?
- Go harvesting. Take kids to pick apples, blueberries or corn.
- Camp in the backyard.
- Keep a “wonder bowl.” Kids fill their pockets with acorns, rocks and leaves. Empty those pockets into a bowl, so kids can linger over their treasures.
- Create a nature club in your community and tell the Berks Conservancy about it! Email the Berks Conservancy at [email protected].
- Try Geocaching! Berks County is home to over 10,000 sites, and this inexpensive hobby is easy to try with your smartphone. Learn more at www.geocaching.com.
- Go for a nature walk or take a hike!
- Plant a tree!
