An archive of all of the Naturalist Blog articles written by the Baltimore Woods education team
Week of February 6, 2022 – February 12, 2022 by Bridget Jones, Environmental Educator In winter, humans aren’t the only ones getting outside and enjoying the snow: the bird feeders at Baltimore Woods have seen a flurry of activity this season! Since November, staff members at Baltimore Woods have been participating in Project Feederwatch, an [...]
As we welcome the recent snowfall, and as the days gradually become longer, I’ve had the chance to enjoy some new discoveries out on the trails here at Baltimore Woods.
Many things are easier to see in winter: tracks across fresh snow, subtle forms of bark otherwise overshadowed by verdant leaves, bright birds that stand out against a drab background. Unfortunately not everything we can find in winter is what we would like to find.
I recently went into a classroom for our Nature in the City program and assisted in teaching the second grade lesson that’s all about the science of snow. The students were elated the moment they saw the mason jar of snow we brought into their classroom.
The snow tells a new story about the nature we see everyday. As we start the new year, I encourage you to let the snow guide you to rediscover nature in a different way and rediscover the excitement and joy nature brings to the child inside yourself.
We all have our own favorite ways to welcome in a New Year, and one of our favorite traditions at Baltimore Woods is to head out on a staff hike in the early days of the New Year to spend time connecting to nature and each other. As we walk into a new year together, I invite you to take a hike without an agenda; just let nature be your guide.
Summer Memories Week of December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022 by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator As winter’s chill sets in, there is plenty of beauty to enjoy, like the intricate patterns of frost on the windows or the quiet hush after darkness settles in on top of a snowy landscape. Some activity out in nature [...]
Fire has been one of nature’s most cherished gifts to humans for millions of years. Fire offers protection from predators, the ability to cook food, life-saving warmth, and light in darkness. The ability to keep fires going for longer periods of time was incredibly important. One of the ways that ancient humans would do this is through the use of amadou, the flammable substance found in the Tinder Polypore or Hoof Fungus (Fomes fomentarius).
As the shortest day of the year approaches, it can be difficult to find time to connect with nature during the daylight hours. However, one of winter's gifts is the opportunity to appreciate the night sky. On clear nights, there's a whole universe to explore waiting right above our heads.
Often, the holidays also bring up family traditions that remind me of ‘my roots’. The deep sense of connection and belonging that the holidays bring seems to be intricately connected to traditions and holiday rituals. In some ways, nature is ‘the roots’ that bind us all together.
