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eco: Earth Day
|by Ashley Allman
Forget the Apps… Get OUTSIDE!
In today’s high-tech world, many kids are learning more about nature from computer screens
than from experiencing it with all of their senses. If this new generation and those after it are
going to learn how to preserve our Earth, first
and foremost, they need to fall in love with it.
In honor of celebrating Earth Day, plan an
activity that will stimulate your child’s mind,
body and soul through nature. By helping our
children appreciate the smell of fresh air, sound
of wind rustling through trees and the sight of
a breathtaking mountain vista, we are instilling
the desire to conserve and preserve.
Here are 10 ideas for celebrating
Earth Day with your family.
1. Watch the sunrise: Earth day lands on a
Monday this year, so you have to get up for
school and work anyway. Set the alarm a bit
earl ier and take your kids to see the sunrise
and enjoy a moment of silence and reflection in
honor of Mother Nature.
2. Visit an animal sanctuary: Wild animal
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sanctuaries provide an environmentally responsible and educational way for children to see
wildlife up close in their natural habitats.
3. Organize a group outing to an ‘outdoor
museum’: According to the National Park
Service, the U.S. is home to nearly 400 national
parks, and the service is present in almost every
county across the country, meaning a vibrant
park is within driving distance, offering opportunities to bird-watch and learn about wildlife.
4. Take an urban hike: Hop on your bikes and
head to a nearby greenbelt area. Kids love to
explore trails, and many cities have greenbelt
areas that feel miles away from the city noise.
Listen to the birds and trickling streams and
consider how your everyday actions impact the
green spaces closest to your home.
5. Plant a garden: Visit the nursery and let your
kids help plan this year’s vegetable garden. Pick
up your organic seeds and compost and let the
planting begin! Be sure to teach your kids about
composting and discuss the global impact of
organic farming.
6. Plan a camping trip: Roughing it is one of
the best ways to fall in love with nature. Spring