My Summer at Nature Net

Hey all!

Hi! Nice to meet you!

This summer I had a blast! I was working with the fabulous Brenna to create and supply materials to parents and teachers to help kids get outside. It's one thing to write about kids getting active, and yet another to see it in action. Working above the summer camps at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, everyday my inspiration was renewed afresh. There's just something about a shrieking, giggling, wild gaggle of 4-6-year-olds racing through the prairie or investigating at the pond that inspires a happy feeling, as if you were infused with helium.

My favorite part was during the PBS Kids Go Open House. Perhaps you saw me, I was the girl going around with a raccoon puppet on my art and speaking odes, in a squeaky voice, about garbage cans (and if anyone has pictures of this event, I would be ever so grateful for a copy, for I have none!). This summer has been such a marvelous adventure!

In addition to the open house, I was the one who sent out your Nature Passports and other assorted materials when you ordered them online (sorry for any delays!) and I contributed to issues of Nature Net News (check out the summer issues posted on this blog!). Also, we're just starting out our Family Nature Club program. It's a really good way to keep your kids outside, even in the non-summer months! I've put quite a lot of time into it, so please check it out and see if it's for you!

Alas, I wish I could stay forever, but this is my last week working for

Nature Net. Next week, I leave the country to go on a new adventure. So, farewell!

It's been a fun summer for me, I hope you have had one too.

Sincerely,

Sarah

Nature Net News Flash Spring 2011

Sign up to receive Nature Net News in your inbox!

See original newsletter at www.naturenet.com/NatureNetNews/Nature_Net_News_Flash_0411.htm 

Happy Earth Day from Nature Net!

Dear Parents,

Swing into spring with some fun outdoor activities for the whole family!

Earth Day Bouquet is going on now! In celebration of Earth Day, National Environmental Education Week, and the spring season, Nature Net's "Earth Day Bouquet of Events" offers your family a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, get involved in your local and natural community, and become motivated to make a difference in the health and sustainability of the environment. From self-guided hikes to vacation mini-camps to fun family festivals, there is something for everyone. Check the schedule of free and low-cost family events going on now!

Looking for more? Take a scientific look at Earth Day 2011 with the Forest Products Laboratory on April 22 (9am-2pm) and check out the bonus Earth Day event at Bethel Horizons Nature Center on April 30 (9am-5pm). Participate in the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center's Spring Clean-Up Day (Saturday, April 30, 9am-2pm) to join in a variety of fun outdoor tasks and help out a local Nature Net site!

Family Nature Clubs

Coming soon! Nature Net's Family Nature Clubs make it easier for your family to get outdoors and learn together! Through Nature Net's online community, you will meet others and find resources and ideas for nature activities. Sign up to gain access to the tools you need to network with other local families, organize fun natural outings, visit Nature Net sites, and learn about local events throughout South Central Wisconsin.

Celebrate the launch of the Family Nature Clubs at the Earth Day Bouquet Open House at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center Leopold Nature Center on Thursday, April 21 (3-5pm) to participate in free outdoor family activities and to learn about Nature Net’s new Family Nature Clubs. Or, visit http://www.naturenet.com/ in the coming weeks to sign up and explore Nature Net’s expanded online community.

Get Your Kids Outside!

Looking for a great way for your kids to spend the summer outdoors and learn more about nature? Check out Nature Net's Summer Camp webpage with links to local nature-based summer camps. Have fun and stay cool!

Coming soon! Nature Passport is a free, at-your-leisure program geared toward family learning and discovery at nature centers and museums throughout the area. Available in late spring online, at libraries and at participating Nature Net sites, Nature Passport leads young explorers on adventures in the wild. Follow Ringo Raccoon to learn about exciting facts and sights of nature. This year's theme, "Romp with Ringo," includes a Movin' Mission to get your family active outdoors together.

Backyard Game of the Year! Kids 6-12 are encouraged to use their imaginations and reconnect with outdoor playtime - right in their own backyards. Enter your original game at CLIF Kid for a chance to win - and be sure to share your backyard ideas and photos with Nature Net!