Growing at Home - Discoveries in your Backyard

There is so much exploring to be had this summer! Adventure and learning awaits us. The possibilities, even from our own back yards, where there are so many bugs, plants, amphibians, birds, and other creatures, are endless.

Let’s take advantage of the good weather (which has hopefully reached wherever you are) and get outside as a family to blaze a new trail.

Here are a few things you should grab for your journey:

• Notebook  & pen

• Camera (cell phone camera will work)

• Magnifying glass

• Pair of binoculars (if you have them)

• Snacks & Water

• Good shoes

To find the most wildlife in your backyard, make sure you make slow silent movements, so as not to disturb or scare them.

Here are some activities and guides to assist you:

• Look for wildflowers - These are often tiny flowers that we don’t take time to consider what kind they are. USWildFlowers and Southeastern Flora provide free guides to help you identify what you have growing in your backyard.

• Find bugs! BugGuide.net will help you identify these fascinating creatures.

• Build an aquatic habitat to attract and comfort amphibians, by digging a shallow hole and lining it with waterproof plastic. For more details, check out Georgia Wildlife.

• Photograph various plants and creatures to identify them later.

For more activities, GoExploreNature has the ultimate A-Z Guide to Summer Backyard Nature Fun, from Ant Watching to Land Art to Water Games!

Host a family meeting and together, make a list of things that you would like to do this summer. This list can include anything from a camp out to making your own lemonade and mudcakes. Here are some ideas to get you started on your list.

While school is not in session, let’s use the opportunity to learn about the things that aren’t taught in school. We wish you happy exploring!