Find a special place in nature, whether it’s under a tree at the end of your yard, on your deck or patio, a quiet spot in a nearby park, or at a hidden spot along a pond in Coaldale (only go to these places as permitted and remember social distancing). “Know it by day; know it by night; know it in the rain and in the snow, in the depth of winter and in the heat of summer” says Jon Young, one of the world’s preeminent nature educators.
Grab a note book or journal and either alone or with your family, identify the birds that visit your special Sit Spot and learn the names of the trees that grow there. What insects can you see? What plant life grows there. Visit your Sit Spot often and document when you see that first Robin or when that maple tree starts to bud or leaf out. What is the temperature when you see the first honey bee or when do the bright yellow flowers of the dandelion first appear. “Get to know all of these things as if they are your relatives” says Mr. Young. If nature provides the building supplies at your Sit Spot, have the kids use their creativity, problem solving and planning to build a fort or den.
Share your findings from your special Sit Spot with us (without disclosing where it is). You don’t have to use your name, but as you add to your journal, continue to share your new findings by emailing commserv@coaldale.ca and we will update our webpage.