Editorial Staff – Page 4 – Kids Discover Nature

Critter Corner: Deer

by Editorial Staff

Fascinating Deer
What animal arouses more emotion, controversy, interest, anger, compassion and awe than deer? They live throughout the United States, in the cities, the country and the suburbs. Deer are magnificent and fascinating to watch if you are lucky enough spy one, can provide a delicious and healthy food source and can wreak havoc in gardens, woodlands and on roadways. Grown ups know them for all of these qualities and, love ’em or hate ’em, they provide an awesome opportunity to promote nature appreciation in children.

Many species of deer make this country their home, but the one most often seen and known by people is the White-tailed deer. They are the the most abundant big game animal in North America. Their habitat is mainly woodlands and they live in families made up of females and fawns or several males (except during mating season). They are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Deer make are an interesting topic because they are so familiar and at the same time so aloof.

If you would like to teach your child(ren) about deer, here are some great links to pages that provide more information for you to use to teach your children:

Nature Activities for Kids Involving Deer

Go outside or to the nearest park or nature center and look for deer tracks in the snow. They are easy to spot and look like the image posted to the right. Even if you do not see deer tracks, you will most likely see tracks of other animals like squirrels or birds.
While you are there, look around and look for and discuss what deer might eat.
If you find tracks, follow them and see where they lead. Discuss where the deer might have been heading.
Go to the library and search for books about deer.

It is interesting for children to watch families of deer if they live in your area. They are most often seen at dusk and at dawn.

News

Go Outside and Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency

by Editorial Staff

It’s big news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked a lack of vitamin D in youth to heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. According to the CDC, nine percent of those ages 1 through 21 — about 7.6 million children, adolescents and young adults — have Vitamin D levels so low they could be considered deficient, while an additional 61 percent — 50.8 million — have higher levels, but still low enough to be insufficient, according to an analysis of federal data.

What is the cause? Among other things researchers referenced the amount of time children spend indoors watching TV and playing video games. If weight issues weren’t reason enough to boot your kids out the door to play, now there is this on top of it.

More research is planned to understand the role of vitamin D plays in children’s health. If nothing else, it is a reminder that outdoor play is essential for a healthy childhood. Let’s all work together to prevent vitamin D deficiency by making the commitment to take the kids outside every day! Following this link to learn more about the statistics provided by the CDC and learn more about the bebefits of spending time outdoors,

Here are some links to some other posts of mine that offer ideas for outdoor activities:
1. Summer days
2. Flower power
3. Make mud pies
4. Hiking

Please add your favorite outside activities to my comments. Once I have a good number of ideas I would like to develop a survey that will poll my readers on what the 10 top outdoor activities are for children. Thanks in advance for your input!

Fishing with Kids

Take Advantage of Free Fishing Days During National Fishing…

by Editorial Staff

A great way to involve kids in the outdoors is to take them fishing. I think most parents remember the thrill of catching their first fish. Why not give your children the same opportunity to experience the excitement of feeling the tug of a fish at the end of their line?

Fortunately, taking a kid fishing does not have to be complicated. All you need is a simple fishing pole, line, hook and a worm. And in the month of June, in many states, you won’t even need a fishing license! The week of June 6-14 is National Fishing and Boating Week, and during that time state fish and wildlife agencies allow the general public to fish for free! You can find all the information you need to plan a fishing trip at TakeMeFishing.org. It is packed with information on equipment for kids, how to teach kids to fish, where to go and includes information on what states offer free fishing days.

Create new memories with your children and spend a morning at a local pond, lake, stream or beach. You’ll be glad you did and so will they!

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Eight ideas for connecting your kids to nature this…

by Editorial Staff

Ah…summer! And many (many) free hours with the kids.

There it is, the sense of angst we parents feel at the end of the school year. While we all get excited about the possibilities for summer activities and the freedom, we at the same time wonder how we are going to keep our kids busy. After the first few days or weeks, everyone starts to get bored. I realized today I had better plan our summer and plan it fast. Here is the result – a short list of what is on our plate for the summer.

Swimming lessons – a summer tradition. Every single parent I know has signed up their children for swimming lessons. My kids begin theirs at the end of June.
Camping – we set up camp in our own backyard and spend weekends making smores and reading at night in our tent. We listen to the peepers, crickets and owls.
Canoeing and fishing – we are lucky enough to live near a lake and spend several hours a week canoeing and fishing (with a life vest for everyone of course!).
Hiking – Our town has a hiking club and sponsors hikes every Saturday. This also includes going for walks around the neighborhood as often as possible.
Beach/Lake – There is nothing like spending the day at the beach!
Whale watch – I hope the highlight of our summer will include a whale watch or other fun activity that allows you to view marine life. Other types of animals you can view from boats are seals, puffins, dolphin, sea turtles, and alligators. Click here to learn how to do it safely.
Picnics at the park – This is always a popular activity with us.
Day camp at the local farm or park– If you want my kids outdoors enjoying nature as much as possible in the summer.

A terrific idea is to involve your kids in the planning. They may have some great ideas. Fill in the days of the calendar together. It will give you all something to look forward to in the coming months and can help relieve some of the pre-summer break angst.

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Critter Corner: Deer

Go Outside and Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency

Take Advantage of Free Fishing Days During National Fishing…

Eight ideas for connecting your kids to nature this…

Ah…summer! And many (many) free hours with the kids.

Take the 30-Day Outdoor Challenge