Get in Touch with Nature Indoors

   Due to recent events, many of us may be finding ourselves unable to get outside or fully immerse ourselves in the outdoors as much as we would truly like.  During times like this, many of us look to science to help.  As we have learned over time, nature and being outdoors in general, is a great immune system and mood booster (more on this in can be found in a previous blog posting by Matt Giambra).  So how can we get in touch with nature when we can’t stray far from our homes?  Here are just a few things we can do to pass the time and boost our moods:

1. Birdwatching – Here at Kettle Creek, birdwatching is always in the top tier of our to do list!  You can observe the feeders that you have already or make one of your own!  If you can’t get to the store for bird seed, unsalted peanuts and unseasoned popcorn also make great treats for birds.  eBird is a great citizen-science project in app form that allows birdwatchers of all levels to track their recordings and share their information with folks around the globe.  You can find out more about it here and download it from your phone’s app store.
2. Plant Something – Did you know that you can utilize the kitchen scraps that you were about to toss into the compost and grow them in your kitchen?  There are many fruits and vegetables that can be grown without soil.  Before you toss away that pineapple top, read about how you can replant it here.  Lettuce, cabbage and herbs can also be regrown from scraps. The pit of an avocado can be the start of an avocado tree.  First, rinse the pit, pat it dry, then grab a jar and fill it with water.  Find the larger end of the avocado pit. This will be the end that will be submerged.  Insert three toothpicks around the pit to suspend it from the jar so that one inch of the pit is in the water.  Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and replenish the water as needed.  In just a few weeks, your pit should start to sprout and you can eventually replant it in soil. Check out some other ideas here or feel free to do your own research.
3. Cloud Collecting – Most of the time we take for granted those white fluffy masses in the sky but there is a lot we can learn from them.  Clouds can teach us about the climate and weather and even help to regulate the temperature.  There are many different types of clouds that are found in the different layers of the atmosphere.  If you are interested in citizen science, NASA has created a program called Globe Observer where you can record cloud observations in your area.  Learn more here:  https://observer.globe.gov/do-globe-observer/clouds
4. Watch Wildlife – Aside from watching and learning about your local wildlife, use the resources you have on hand to gain some knowledge about critters and places you would generally not have the opportunity to learn about.  When you run out of shows to binge, check out a live nature cam feed. Live wildlife cameras offer us an amazing look into the lives of animals all across the globe!  It’s like going on a digital safari!  On Explore.org, you can observe all different types of animals ranging from house cats to giraffes and even underwater creatures such as beluga whales.  Taking advantage of the technology at our fingertips can be a great way to educate and entertain ourselves.

   Of course, if you are able to get outside and explore, we certainly encourage you to do so!  Getting outside is always the best way to boost those endorphins and put a smile on your face. 
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   On the other hand, if you are truly stuck indoors due to one reason or another, curling up with a good book and a furry friend is highly recommended.  If you want to read more about the benefits of nature author Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods is certainly a great place to start.

-Alesia Gallo, Environmental Educator