So to help us learn more about our own backyarrd this summer, I put together a summer nature basket to keep out on our screened porch. And it's already seeing some use! Grace caught several monarch caterpillars, looked up their nutritional and housing needs, and decided to keep a few to watch them turn into butterflies. James found an empty cicada shell and displayed it in a jar for everyone to see. We used the guides to figure out what strange animal got into our trash late one night-we think it was a gray fox! And we've identified lots of wildflowers- my personal favorite.
Swamp Candles |
If the basket continues to get used and inspire everyone, I plan to switch it out each season with different books and equipment.
Right now in our summer basket....
We have:
- Bug jars
- Binoculars
- A flower press
- Hand lenses
- Take-Along Guide to Nature Volumes 1 and 2
- Pet Bugs
- New England Audubon Guide
- Peterson's First Guide to Caterpillars
- Peterson's First Guide to Birds
- Nature in a Nutshell- nature activities for kids
- The Young Naturalist
- Monarch Magic
Happy Summer!
What a wonderful idea! I may have to "borrow" it as a compliment to our Afternoon Basket.
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