Outdoor Hour Challenge #3: Now is the Time to Draw

If you've missed my previous blog posts, and really want your children to grow up with an appreciation of nature, grab a copy of The Handbook of Nature Study and join in the fun over at the Outdoor Hour Challenge.

This week we did the third challenge, called Now is the Time to Draw. The response to this week's adventure brought tears to my eyes. You know when your kid exclaims, "this is the best thing ever," you are on to something. I made each boy their own Nature Journal using the free downloads from this site. We explored Papago Park in Phoenix before our zoo visit.

Right away, we had a few bird sightings. Next weekend we are going on an official bird walk and the boys already have their binoculars ready!
Then, unfortunately, the plastic litter sightings occurred. I took a few minutes to explain how this type of litter hurts our environment and reinforce our use of stainless steel water bottles and recycling at home.
Creeley seemed the most affected by the thought of the harm to the animals and came up with a great idea! "We should make signs that tell people not to throw their bottles on the ground or in the water and hang them on the trees." Brilliant! We should! That might be a great project for the Earth Scouts group we are forming.
Next, we set out for a hike. Atticus suggested a good path.
Baby in a hat confirmed that he was ready for an adventure.
Atticus noted that the recent rain made some interesting designs in the dirt.
Creeley noticed a dead tree.We spotted a great nest, complete with some human trash.
The boys pointed out "hole in the rock," a fun, quick hiking spot.
Atticus celebrated his climb on a rock.
Townsyn is constantly amazed, and probably a bit confused, about the enthusiasm his brothers display.
The boys found some holes and speculated that lizards, small mice, and other creatures probably made them.
We saw some cool cacti. Perhaps this one is a staghorn cholla?
They really loved this little cactus growing under a tree.
Nature journal time:
On the way out we spotted some leaves that were "hiding on the ground."
Creeley thinks a worm or some bugs were eating it.
And as a parting shot, we saw a bird displaying his wings amongst a tree of littered plastics.
Signage project....here we come!