Nature Net News
Your portal for nature tips
& tricks for exploring nature with your kids
January 2010
John Muir
"In every walk with nature one
receives far more than he seeks."
John Muir
Dear Reader, Who's that famous naturalist? You know, the one who hangs with Teddy Roosevelt, created the Sierra Club, and is on the California State Quarter? What's his name again...oh yeah! Wisconsin's own John Muir! Young John Muir moved to Wisconsin as a boy, where he strengthened his love for nature. You, too, can follow in the footsteps of Muir by observing nature around you in the Dance County Parks and in your own neighborhood and by reading Nature Net News to learn more about this very famous State son! Enjoy! Kathe & Sarah |
In addition to being a fabulous naturalist, John Muir was an inventor as well! One notable invention was a bed that flipped the sleeper off when the alarm went off! See more of his inventions here.
What to Do This Month:
Muir was famous for keeping a nature journal. Start your own nature journal and go exploring!
Visit the John Muir Historical Marker
Tricks of the Trail for Parents:
A Walk to Remember
John Muir once took an 1000 mile walk. You and your little ones won't have to walk so far, but when taking nature walks, be sure to keep hydrated and warm! Your children can enjoy a winter walk if you are prepared for the elements. Pick a sunny or overcast day with little wind. Be sure to dress in layers, with cotton, wool, or a wicking-type fabric closest to your body. Make sure your outermost layer is sufficient to break any wind. Warm boots, mittens, and extra socks are a must, as is a hat to keep in body heat. Look for tracks, unusual snow formations or winter tree "skeletons."
Instant Expert:
Titles Galore!
John Muir grew up in Porter, Wisconsin, but was actually born in Scotland! Despite this, he is considered a "Foster Son of Wisconsin" by the Historical Marker Database. Another title of John Muir is "The Father of National Parks." John Muir also holds the title of "Founder of the Sierra Club," one of the most influential environmental organization with 1.3 million members.
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Dane County Parks
Explore like John Muir in the
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 you countywide locations for quick get-aways from urban settings and offer custom-built recreational facilities amid splendid natural beauty. Imagine all you can do year-round throughout the Dane County Park System.
Nature Journal!
What you need: cardstock, sheets of regular paper
(blank or lined), stapler, markers or crayons, anything else you want to
use to decorate your journal.
1. Place cardstock on top of stack of regular paper and fold in half, hamburger style.
2. Staple on fold, making sure that staples go through all pages.
3. Use your markers and other stuff to decorate your cover!
4. Now you're ready to start journaling the
chronicles of your nature adventures!
)
Suggested Reading:
"John Muir: America's Naturalist" by Thomas Locker (4-8)
"John Muir: America's First Environmentalist" by Kathryn Lasky (4-8)
"John Muir: My Life with Nature" by John Muir and Joseph Cornell (9-12)
"Stickteen" by John Muir (teen)
