Nature Net News
April 2008
Earth Day
"Humankind has not woven the web
of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we
do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect."
Chief Seattle, 1855
Dear Reader, For many of us, every day is Earth Day, but it’s nice to have one day where the rest of the world stops and thinks about the important role of Mother Earth. We, in Wisconsin, have a special link to Earth Day: the celebration was founded by former Wisconsin governor, senator and environmentalist Gaylord Nelson in 1969. Since that day, Earth Day has grown and the importance of protecting our natural world has become a daily phenomenon. There are so many ways to get involved! Take a look at this month’s Nature Net News to find out how you can get involved, and how you can make a difference! Enjoy! Kathe & Betsy |
Senator Gaylord Nelson's efforts to establish the first Earth Day won him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest national award given to civilians? Senator Nelson started his work for the environment right here in Wisconsin, and paved the way for preserving many acres of Wisconsin's natural lands. Read Nelson's own account of Earth Day's creation from the Wilderness Society.
What to Do This Month:
Visit your favorite Nature Net sites during "Earth Day Bouquet" - a two week celebration of the Earth with events, programs and at-your-leisure suggestions.
Find out what you can do to support National Environmental Education Week.
Participate in "National TV Turn-Off Week" April 21-27.
Check out family events and programs all month long at Nature Net sites.
Tricks of the Trail for Parents:
Bag-a-thon
Here’s a simple way to lessen your impact and help out the Earth on your family hikes: Always bring a small plastic shopping bag in which to collect trash. The bag can be used to carry your lunch as well as pack out any wrappers or trash you find along the trail. Make the most of your plastic bag - it's reusable and versatile - by fashioning it into makeshift waterproof boot liners, a rain poncho or hat, or a collection bag for acorns or other finds. Make a game of trying to see how many times it can be re-used!
Once your bag has lived it's nine (or more) lives, celebrate "Reusable Bag Day" on April 21st by acquiring and using a canvas or cloth bag for all your toting and shopping.
Instant Outdoor Expert:
Children and Nature
The first Earth Day celebration in 1970, a grassroots movement 20 million strong, alerted the United States to environmental issues and helped instigate the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Since the 1970s, when only 36% of American stream miles were deemed safe for fishing and swimming, numerous environmental acts and conservation laws have been enacted and some would argue the result is a healthier, cleaner Earth.
Over the past several years, however, a unique environmental statistic has arisen: children don't spend time outdoors. A surprising statement considering numerous studies prove spending free time in nature not only garners a greater sense of appreciation, curiosity and wonder among children, but learning and exploring in nature can help fight childhood obesity, ADHD, low self esteem, and depression. Environment-based exploration and learning is touted to strengthen problem solving skills, critical thinking, decision making, and creativity. Even "greening" school grounds by including free-play areas, gardens, trails and wildlife habitat increases academic success among students in addition to benefiting teachers, the school and the community. And if you're looking to raise the next Gaylord Nelson, turns out it's positive outdoor experiences in childhood, particularly with an adult mentor, that fosters the desire to protect or advocate for the environment. Find out more about these studies from the Children and Nature Network. Or, learn about and help support new environmental education legislation, the No Child Left Inside Act.
Need ideas on how to get your kids outdoors? Try these tips from Family Fun or Kaboose.
Eco-Exercise:
Walk the Earth
There's no better family exercise than going for a spring walk or hike to see what's changing with this season. Strengthening your muscles, improving circulation, and transporting you to a world of nature up close and personal, this is an exercise that is supremely adaptable! A simple walking staff or stick may keep you from slipping and sliding, and may help in regulating your stride. Plan your hike for whatever time you have available and remember to take turns with line-leaders - you never know what eyes closer to the ground might discover. Need more encouragement? Check out the health benefits listed by Cool Walking.
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
The mission of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center is to
"...teach the student to see the land, understand what he sees, and
enjoy what he understands" in the spirit of famed Wisconsin
conservationist, Aldo Leopold. Through hands-on, guided experiences,
children and adults come to ALNC to discover and explore the wonders of the
natural world!
Specializing in connecting children, their families and teachers to the
outdoors, ALNC offers many opportunities for your family to celebrate
Earth Day every day, including family programs, school field trips,
at-school presentations, after-school programs, summer nature camps,
girl and boy scout programs, and various special events throughout the
year. Also, you won't want to miss the
Leopold Interpretive Trail, an award-winning trail leading visitors
through examples of native Wisconsin habitats, with easy to understand
explanations of various sites and questions Aldo Leopold might have
asked you, had he been standing next to you on the trail. You can also
check out a Family Trailside Backpack filled with seasonal tips, tools
and motivators for exploring on the trails.
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Trails open from dawn to dusk everyday.
www.naturenet.com/alnc
Go Organic for Earth Day
Organic food and cooking is good for you and the
Earth. Supporting organic farming helps keep air, water, and soil clean
by not using toxic and persistent pesticides. Here's a simple recipe to
get you going - visit
Go Organic for Earth Day
for more ideas.
Organic Mac and Cheese Ingredients:
* 8 oz. organic elbow macaroni, fusilli, or other pasta
* 8 oz. organic cheddar cheese
* 12 oz. organic cottage cheese
* 8 oz. organic sour cream
* ¼ cup organic parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
Try adding some locally grown organic asparagus - in season this April
(just in time for purchase at a local farmer market like the one in
Dane County).
Preheat oven to 350 F. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a
boil, cook pasta, adding chopped asparagus 3-4 minutes before the pasta
is done. Drain. In a 9x13 inch baking dish,
stir together all other ingredients. Bake 30 to 35 minutes.
Suggested Reading:
"On the Day You Were Born" by Debra Frasier (aged baby-6)
"I Love Our Earth" by Bill Martin Jr. (age baby-6)
"Growing Like Me" by Anne Rockwell (age baby-6)
"It's Earth Day!" (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer (age 4-8)
"Earth Day--Hooray!" by Stuart J. Murphy (age 4-8)
"Earth Day Birthday" (Sharing Nature With Children Book) by Pattie
Schnetzler (age 4-8)
"The Earth and I" by Frank Asch (age 4-8)
"Recycle Every Day!" by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (age 4-8)
"Let's Celebrate Earth Day "(Let's Celebrate) by Peter Roop (age 4-8)
"Gaylord Nelson: A Day for the Earth" by Jeffrey Shulman (age 9-12)
"Earth Day: Keeping Our Planet Clean" (Finding Out About Holidays) by Elaine
Landau (age 9-12)
"You Are the Earth: Know the Planet So You Can Make It Better" by David
Suzuki (age 9-12)
"Earth Day Crafts" (Fun Holiday Crafts Kids Can Do!) by Carol Gnojewski (age
9-12)
