Category: Children and Nature

National Day of Service: Where will you be?

National Day of Service: Where will you be?

Want to keep that fresh-start feeling that comes as you launch into a new year … the excitement of embarking on new adventures, striving to attain new goals,  living out carefully deliberated intentions, or jumpstarting the year with ideas that sprang up as quickly as the new year? For many, the novelty fades within the […]

Photo by Jolie Semedo-Strauss @ Copyright 2012

Let Your Fall Leaves Lie

It starts in late August. That’s when I usually spot the first few dry, brown leaves cascading to the ground. They are an early cue of the changes afoot that eventually will cause some birds to depart for warmer climates, insects and animals to seek shelter for hibernation, and many trees to shed their leaves. […]

Creating a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

Creating a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

When I first heard about the concept of establishing a backyard wildlife habitat, I thought, “Yeah, right. Nice for the folks who live down the in areas where trees and woodlands are an integral part of the landscape, but not for those of us living in more urban settings.” Sure, there are pockets of wildlife-friendly […]

Connecting with Nature: Walking in the Rain

Connecting with Nature: Walking in the Rain

With pots on the stove and dinner underway, I realized that we were out of barbecue sauce for our pulled pork. With a grocery store just a couple of blocks away, my typical response would have been to hop in the car, especially since it was raining. It would take just a few (dry) minutes […]

Great Green Escapes: Mt. Vernon Trail

Great Green Escapes: Mt. Vernon Trail

A version of this story originally appeared in my Green and Simple column on the Old Town Alexandria Patch. During the school year, I had a standing date with a friend whom I met 10 years ago at a new mom’s group at Alexandria Hospital. I had just had my first child and was in full-scale panic mode, […]

Feeling a Little Batty? Head to the Bat Festival

Feeling a Little Batty? Head to the Bat Festival

If you live in the DC metro area, here is a family friendly event that is sure to drive you batty. From the folks over at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington: Enjoy a thoroughly batty evening and add to your knowledge of local night life at this bat conservation and appreciation program. See a […]

From Mini-Farm Preschool to Traditional Kindergarten

From Mini-Farm Preschool to Traditional Kindergarten

A version of this story originally appeared in my Green and Simple column on the Old Town Alexandria Patch. Last week the youngest in our clan graduated from preschool, and I find myself feeling conflicted about the transition ahead. Our son has been at this school for his entire preschool life and has been pretty content for the […]

Great Green Events in June

Great Green Events in June

June is a great month to head outdoors. Here is a guide to great green events happening this month. June is Great Outdoors Month Celebrate the occasion by taking advantage of all that our great city and nearby areas have to offer. From bike trails to farmers markets to parks and playgrounds, there are plenty […]

Eco-Friendly Events in May

Eco-Friendly Events in May

Lots of great green ways to get involved. Check out this list of upcoming events, activities, and observances happening this month: Statewide Invasive Plant Removal Day Saturday, May 5 Join volunteers from across the state for the 4thannual state-wide invasive plant removal day. Alexandria is hosting three sites across the city at Chinquapin Park, Dora […]

National Parks Week, Native Plant Sales, and More Earth Day Events

National Parks Week, Native Plant Sales, and More Earth Day Events

Lots of green green events happening this month in honor of Earth Day. From Native Plant Sales to National Parks Week, opportunities to get out and involved abound! National Parks Week April 21 – 29 The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation are teaming up to host National Park Week, during which you […]

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