Nature Net News
December
2005
Winter Survival
"In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter,
Long ago."
Christina Rossetti
(1830 - 1894), A Christmas Carol
Dear Reader, Who can forget the childhood thrill of waking to the sound of snow plows and realizing you have a “Snow Day” all to yourself? In a matter of seconds the snowsuit was on and the frolicking could begin in the freshly fallen snow. Hours later, trudging indoors, fingers were numb and cheeks near frostbitten. There’s a simple trick to surviving the wilds of winter – be prepared! Take a look at the hints in this month’s Nature Net News and be prepared to explore in the snow of local Nature Net sites – in any type of weather! Kathe & Betsy |
There are seven enemies of outdoor winter survival? They are temperature extremes, thirst, hunger, pain, fatigue, fear and boredom.
What to
Do This Month:
Prepare your house and car (see Nature Craft) for winter conditions
and survival situations.
Winterize your home for energy-use efficiency.
Watch for signs of animals who survive the winter weather, like deer, rabbits and foxes.
Check out family events at area Nature Net sites!
Tricks of the Trail for
Parents:
Instant Energy Snacks
These days, instant energy
bars are available at the grocery stores, but making your own nourishing and
colorful treat for little hikers is more fun and can be tailored to even the
finickiest of tastes. In a
sealable plastic baggie, mix raisins, dried cranberries or other dried
fruit, add in nuts, pretzel bits and small crackers.
Does your child have a favorite cereal?
Cheerios and other dry cereals are popular mixers and do not freeze
in the outdoors. Be creative!
Instant Outdoor Expert:
Hypothermia
According Medicine for Mountaineering, hypothermia is "a decrease in the core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired."
Surprisingly, cold
Wisconsin weather is not the only element to cause hypothermia. It
can occur in relatively mild temperatures if other factors are present,
including improper clothing & equipment, wetness, fatigue & exhaustion,
dehydration, poor food intake and no knowledge of hypothermia.
The best way to prevent a life-threatening situation, is to spot signs of
hypothermia early and react accordingly. So, what should you watch
for? The "Umbles". If a person stumbles, mumbles or
fumbles, it indicates changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness
which occur when the core body temperature drops. For a person
showing signs of mild to moderate hypothermia, including the "Umbles",
shivering or inability to complete complex motor skills, you should 1.
reduce heat loss (remove wet clothing, add warm layers, increase activity
and seek shelter), 2. add fuel and fluids (like hot liquids, sugary snacks
or GORP), and 3. add heat (with fire or body to body contact with a
normo-thermic person).
To learn what to do for a severely hypothermic person or more about specific bodily reactions to
cold, visit Princeton's
Outdoor Action
website.
Eco-Exercise:
Countdown
to New Warmth
When
toes and fingers get frosty on the trail, use this Eco-Exercise to get
your inner warmth going.
Hold your right hand above your head and, as you count down from 10, shake
your hand for each number, working at a fairly quick rate. Once you’ve
counted down to 1, switch to your left hand and complete the same pattern.
Now, drop your hand, and extend your right foot. Give it a shake as you
count down from 10, and repeat with your left foot.
This may warm you and your little snow explorer a bit but you're not done
yet! Now, start from the beginning, counting down from 9.
Repeat again, starting with the next lowest number, shaking each arm and
leg in turn until at the very end - and as quickly as possible - you shout
"1, 1, 1, 1!" for each arm and leg.
Now you’re toasty! Try to keep from flopping in the nearest snow
bank!
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Dane County Parks
Year-round recreational opportunities abound throughout the Dane County Park System. Whether you enjoy fast-paced physical fun or quiet enjoyment, Dane County Parks offer countywide locations for quick get-aways from urban settings and offer custom-built recreational facilities amid splendid natural beauty.
Winter can be one of the most exciting times of the year. Miles of specially groomed trails winding through dense woodlands, rolling hills and open meadows provide snowmobilers or cross-country skiers with boundless views and ideal conditions. Smooth, white blankets of snow contrast with the diversity of structural shapes, bark colors and textures of trees and shrubbery. Winter is an ideal time for following animal tracks in freshly fallen snow, for quiet walks, ice fishing, or observing winter birds, wildlife and plants.
Contact the County Park Office for additional information on winter programs.
Make a Survival Kit You can easily equip your vehicle with essential survival gear for winter emergencies. Here's what you'll need:
Start with a 2 or 3 pound coffee can (punch 3 holes
around the top rim, equal distance apart).
Store the following items inside:
* 60-inch length of twine or heavy string (cut into 3 equal pieces - used to suspend can).
* 3 large safety pins (tie string to safety pins and pin to car roof interior to suspend can over candle).
* 1 candle 2" diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting snow).
* 1 pocket knife or scissors.
* 3 pieces of bright cloth 2" wide x 36" long (tie to antenna or door handle).
* Several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. (mixed into melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition).
* 1 small package of peanuts (provides protein) & fruit-flavored candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc. - avoid chocolate).
* 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of gloves or glove liners (cotton
does not provide insulation when wet).
* 2 packages of book matches.
* 1 sun shield blanket or 2 large green or black plastic leaf bags (to reflect body heat).
* 1 pen light and batteries (keep separate).
* change or calling card for telephone calls.
Place a stocking cap over the kit and store it in passenger compartment of your car. If you
have additional room, include band-aids, aspirin,
a small radio,
spoons, pencil & paper, etc. If there's still room, increase the quantity of any of the above items
or improvise items for entertaining little ones: fun snacks, games and
books.
Adapted from the Wis. Dept. of Transportation
Suggested Reading:"Snowy Flowy Blowy: A Twelve Months Rhyme" by Nancy Tafuri, (ages 4-8)
"When Winter Comes" by Nancy Van Laan, (ages 4-8)
"The Long Winter" (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder, (ages 9-12)
"Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen " (ages 12 and up)
"Brian's Winter" by Gary Paulsen (ages 12 and up)
