Spring has sprung and not a moment too soon for most. With snow still falling here in March, it is hard to imagine that the bright green leaves of daffodils and crocus that are popping out of the ground are really going to bloom before long. Mother Nature has shown us her darker side lately. A fall and winter full of hurricanes, tornados, above average snowfall and of course the devastating tsunami have all proven, least we forget, that she, not we, is in charge of this planet. Does that mean we should live in fear of her? Certainly not. Does it mean we should respect her more than some of us do? Definitely. Just like any mother, we need to show our respect and not take her for granted. It is hard for children when Mom is in a bad mood. We wonder what we did wrong. Did we do something to cause Mom to get so upset? Is all of this horrible weather some sort of punishment? I don’t think so. I think it is just Mother Nature doing her job, which is to keep the planet in balance.
It is easy to become frightened of Mother Nature after a season like the one we have just gone through. It may be hard to tell children that reconnecting with Mother Nature is vital to their growth and development as human beings after they have heard and seen such a destructive side of her. Spring is the perfect time to emphasize Mother Nature’s better side- that of rebirth. Get the children outside as early as possible to watch the world come back to life. Let them see the buds on the trees turn into leaves and flowers. Find some baby birds or other wildlife young in your area. Look for the reappearance of your kid’s favorite insects. Don’t just send them out to ride bikes and scooters or take them to their baseball and soccer games- get involved with your surroundings. Take the time to explore the woods, a park or any other area where you all can just watch Mother Nature work her spring time magic.
Seems everything I pick up lately emphasizes the need for us, not just our kids, to reconnect to nature. National Wildlife’s February/March magazine had an article entitled, “Take Two Hikes And Call Me In The Morning” by Beth Baker. The subtitle explains the article, “Scientists are discovering that our species’ love of plants, animals and wilderness- possibly hardwired during the course of evolution- has positive effects on human health.” The article goes on to explain that hospitals are incorporating “healing gardens” in their plans, and “wilderness therapy” is being offered to patients as part of their therapy. My “real job” is providing furnishings to our area’s hospitals and so I know for a fact that putting in aquariums has been a known positive calmative for years now. Many of you probably heard how Christopher Reeve spent days on his front porch just looking at the sky as part of his own recovery program. Last month's Spiritual Cinema had a short feature entitled “Suzuki Speaks” and looking at the title I couldn’t figure out why a speech by the music instructor was included in spiritual cinema. It is a fabulously filmed piece in which Suzuki explains his feelings on how important reconnection to nature is for our future on the planet. Often I wonder why I was called to write my book Kidz Keys to Nature when I am admittedly not known as a nature person. When I question my role in this new push I am sent these articles and movies to remind me of why my book and all efforts being made to get us back to nature are so important.
Spring is the time to get out and do Kidz Keys to Nature activities. If you have not read my previous articles or checked out my book Kidz Keys to Nature you may not understand what a Kidz Key is, so I will briefly explain. A key is a nature activity that is done in two parts. First, you have the children do a “feeling key”, which involves them going out into nature and finding a natural attraction. They then communicate with that attraction by literally asking it questions and feeling/hearing its responses. Believe me they will be able to do this and so will you if you give it an honest try. Second, they do a “reflection key” to take the time to get what they have just learned in to some form of memorable keepsake. This is done usually by doing some sort of craft, writing or other visual art form that they then share with the group or family if they choose to or not if they don’t. Kidz Keys are never to be judged, graded or used for any reason other than what each child gets out of them. I strongly encourage them to keep a Kidz Keys Nature Journal of their experiences. I also encourage you to do this month’s key together as a family or youth group.
Feeling Key Planning an Angel Garden:
- Select a spot to plant your angel garden. (Note: if you do not have your own land to plant in try to get permission to plant a garden at your school or church. Some areas have garden plots that can be rented. You can always use a large pot.)
- Before starting anything you need to plan out your garden. Do this with the help of Mother Nature’s helpers the Nature Angels. Sit quietly in or near your chosen spot and ask the angels for their help with your plans.
- Ask what types of plants would grow best.
- Ask what colors attract Nature Angels.
- Ask what plants would be best if you want to attract butterflies or hummingbirds.
- Ask what plants would help protect each other from insects that might harm them.
- Remember when you have finished talking to the angels to thank them for their help.
Reflection Key: Planting and Angel Garden
- Take a trip to a local nursery or garden center to purchase your plants and any tools you might need. I imagine the angels recommended plants native to your area, so make sure the supplier has those before you go.
- You might want to take a sample of your soil to have checked to make sure it is good for your plants. The nursery can hopefully recommend organic solutions to balance your soil. If not check out organic solutions online.
- Also remember to only use organic insect control methods, such as ladybugs. The angels can help you with these solutions too.
- Once you have your soil ready you can plant your plants as directed by the little tags they come with. Love is not an ingredient you will find on the tag, but one you need to continue to add regularly.
- Make sure you continue to care for your plants giving them food and water as needed. They are now your children as well as Mother Natures, so she needs your help in keeping them happy.
- You can always call on the Nature Angels for their help and support.
- Keep track of your garden in your Kidz Keys to Nature Journal. That way next spring you will know what plants did well and what ones did not. The angels can not guarantee all plants will survive. Remember life and death of plants, as with all natural things, is just part of Mother Nature’s process of balance.
- If you like make a sign for your garden and write a poem to say thank you to Mother Nature and the Nature Angels for their love and support.
Laura Scott first reconnected with nature by taking an online course, Project NatureConnect created by Dr. Michael J. Cohen Ed. D through the Institute for Global Education. She decided to take what she learned and create her book KidzKeys to Nature, so that children could have a way to maintain the connection to Mother Nature they were born with. She has a BFA in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and she is also a graduate of The Children’s Institute of Literature. She has been published in the magazine, Nature’s Friend. Laura has been a Girl Scout leader for the past thirteen years and an adult advisor to the local Service Unit’s Girl Council where she lives with her daughter, Allison, in McLean, VA.