Kid Science:  Owl Pellet Dissection
Biology / Outdoor Education

Kid Science: Owl Pellet Dissection

Owls are fascinating creatures.  They have a special organ (gizzard) that stores the undigestible parts of their prey, preventing these parts (bones, teeth, fur, feathers) from proceeding through the digestive tract.  The gizzard compresses these parts into a pellet which is later regurgitated.  This is a pretty simplistic explanation.  If you’d like to learn more, … Continue reading »

Great book!  Friends of the Earth:  A History of American Environmentalism
Fun Books / Outdoor Education / Reviews

Great book! Friends of the Earth: A History of American Environmentalism

In preparation for Earth Day next month, I’m currently reading a wonderful book… Friends of the Earth:  A History of American Environmentalism by Pat McCarthy.   The book, written for children ages 9 and up,  introduces the efforts, struggles, and triumphs of men and women (scientists, artists, authors, naturalists) who dedicated their lives to protecting the … Continue reading »

Looking for Signs of Spring:  A Walk Around the Neighborhood
Art Fun / Nature Walks / View from Home / Weekly Photo Challenge

Looking for Signs of Spring: A Walk Around the Neighborhood

After school on Monday, we went for a walk around our neighborhood to look for signs of spring. As an extension of the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge (Phoneography Challenge: My Neighborhood), I gave my iPhone to my five-year-old son and asked him to take photos of what he could find.  The signs he saw were … Continue reading »

Please vote for me!  Top 25 Outdoorsy Moms 2013 Contest
Other / Awards

Please vote for me! Top 25 Outdoorsy Moms 2013 Contest

I’ve been entered in the Circle of Mom’s “Top 25 Outdoorsy Moms 2013″ contest.  In order to be placed in the top 25, I need your help.  Please take a moment to vote.. it will truly only take a few seconds of your time! Click on this link… http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/Top-25-Outdoorsy-Moms-2013 Scroll down to find “A Nature … Continue reading »

Hike:  Bollinger Creek Trail, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Contra Costa County / Hiking with Kids

Hike: Bollinger Creek Trail, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

Yesterday, I hiked this section of the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness with some friends.  It’s is one of the few trails in Las Trampas that is shade-covered.  It’s also relatively short, with the section along the creek and through the trees being only 0.69 miles (one-way).  This is a fun … Continue reading »