#natureexplorer — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #natureexplorer, aggregated by home.social.
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A list of the items (and approximate cost) included in the #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer packs (which are no longer available, unfortunately). This one is for the #Plant pack. Link to PDFs for printing are below.
LLBean Original Backpack $36.95
Forest Trees of Maine - Maine Forest Service $15.00
Pocket Naturalist Guide: New England Trees & Wildflowers $7.95
Take-Along Guide: Berries, Nuts, and Seeds $7.95
Wooden dual 5x and 10x magnifier (w/case) $12.50
Specimen box with magnifying lid $4.50
Sorting Sheet $2.00
Paint Chips [for color identification]
Lapboard $2.00
Pencil pouch, containing:
- Colored pencils (12)
- Pencil
- Pencil sharpener
- Crayons (8)
$7.00Additional items contained in the Audubon Plant packs (estimated cost $2.00 -- pretty much, the cost of printing out the PDFs)
User guide, containing:
- Introduction
- Exploring Nature Together: Tips for Families
- Using your smartphone to connect to nature
- Explore: Plants
- Read: Plants
- Take Action: Plants
- Activity Idea: Color Hunt
- Activity Idea: Bark and Leaf Rubbings
- Illustrated Glossary of Leaf Shapes
- Nature Journaling Template
- Blank paper
- SurveyLink to Maine Audubon's printed materials (Google Drive):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yMls_QNHpxOOqdckJwZge1IeE3Vv3rtE?usp=drive_link#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature
#SpendTimeOutdoors #PlantIdentification #LearningThroughNature
#MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime -
So, here is a list of the items (and approximate cost) included in the #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer packs (which are no longer available, unfortunately). This one is for the #Birding pack. Link to PDFs for printing are below.
LLBean Original Backpack $36.95
Look up! Birdwatching in Your Own Backyard - Annette LeBlanc Cate $15.99
Sibley East by David Sibley $19.95
Birds of Maine by Stan Tekiela $13.95
Tasco Essentials 8x42 binoculars (w/case) $50.00
Wooden dual 5x and 10x magnifier (w/case) $12.50
Audubon bird call $8.95
Bird photo cards $2.00
Nest photo cards $1.00
Lapboard $2.00
Pencil pouch, containing:
- Colored pencils (12)
- Pencil
- Pencil sharpener
$7.00Additional items contained in the Audubon Birding packs (estimated cost $2.00 -- pretty much, the cost of printing out the PDFs)
User guide, containing:
- Introduction
- Exploring Nature Together: Tips for Families
- Using your smartphone to connect to nature
- Explore: Birds
- Read: Birds
- Take Action: Birds
- Activity Ideas: Bird Photo Cards
- Activity Idea: Build a Nest
- Nature Journaling Template
- Birds of Maine Checklist
- Blank paper
- SurveyLink to Maine Audubon's printed materials (Google Drive):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gxjXyK86ZrDtt2qetiBXfQqSAiVuSABE?usp=drive_link#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Wildlife #LearningThroughNature #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime
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#Maryland - #Library #Backpacks
"Thanks to support from the Nora Roberts Foundation, there are #NatureExplorer backpacks at all of the local libraries in the Eastern Panhandle, at some libraries nearby in Maryland, and at the nature center at #CacaponStatePark. They are available for checkout with your library card!
The packs provide families with all the tools they need to get their children outside exploring #nature. Each pack contains a variety of #books, #FieldGuides, supplies and #ActivityIdeas centered on different themes. Backpacks themes include #Birds, #Reptiles and #Amphibians, #BackyardHabitats, #Mammals, #Insects, and Winter."
Learn more:
https://www.potomacaudubon.org/education/all-ages/library-backpacks/#SolarPunkSunday #ExploreNature #Wildlife #PotomacValley #PotomacValleyAudubonSociety #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBackpacks #SpendTimeOutdoors #NatureBasedLearning #LearningThroughNature #LibrariesRule! #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime
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So, here is a list of the items (and approximate cost) included in the #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer packs (which are no longer available, unfortunately). This one is for the #Wildlife pack. Link to PDFs for printing are below.
LLBean Original Backpack $36.95
Falcon Guide to Scats and Tracks of the Northeast - James C. Halfpenny, PhD., Jim Bruchac, Todd Telander $12.95
Kaufman Guide to New England - Kenn & Kimberly Kaufman $22.00
Pocket Naturalist Guide: Maine Wildlife - Kavanagh/Leung $7.95
Pocket Naturalist Guide: Bugs and Slugs - Kavanagh/Leung $7.95
Wooden Dual 5x and 10x magnifier (w/case) $12.50
Specimen Box with magnifying lid $4.50
Plastic Trowel $4.00
Plastic container with lid
Animal Track Rubber Stamps (w/inkpad, 18 stamps) $19.99
Lapboard $2.00
Pencil pouch, containing:
- Colored pencils (12)
- Pencil
- Pencil sharpener
$7.00Additional items contained in the Audubon packs (estimated cost $2.00 -- pretty much, the cost of printing out the PDFs)
User guide, containing:
- Introduction
- Exploring Nature Together: Tips for Families
- Using your smartphone to connect to nature
- Explore: Wildlife
- Read: Wildlife
- Take Action: Wildlife
- Activity Idea: Make a Pitfall Trap
- Activity Idea: Animal Track Rubber Stamps
- Nature Journaling Template
- Maine Animal Tracks
- Blank paper
- SurveyLink to Maine Audubon's printed materials (Google Drive):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ld3J8D3l1ADwHl2j1BH-INvzZ63Lnkj7?usp=drive_link#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #SpendTimeOutdoors #Wildlife #LearningThroughNature #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime
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Create a Fun #NatureExplorer Kit in 3 Easy Steps - Our Days Outside
Audrey
Last Updated on March 28, 2025"Don’t you love activities that entertain the kiddos right in your own yard and neighborhood? One way to do this is create your own nature explorer kit! It’s a great way to create some open ended play options.
These kits are also great to take on hikes if your kids need something to focus on besides just walking. 🤣 They’re also super easy to make, and you probably already have most of the materials you need around the house!
I highly suggest involving your kids in the creation of their nature explorer kit as it makes them more excited to use it. It’s also great to hear their ideas for what they want to use it for! I know my little guy had a blast customizing his kit and now he feels more attached to it than if I would have just done it myself.
I did end up buying a few items to really round it out on top of everything that I gathered. Because every little explorer needs a magnifying glass, and believe it or not, we actually didn’t own one!
Here’s how to get started on your very own nature explorer kit!
Step 1) Choose your vessel.
I’ve seen these made a couple of different ways. The first option is to use a backpack or canvas tote. This is ideal if you plan on using it while hiking or on the go. It’s important that it’s comfortable enough to take with you!
The second option is to make your nature explorer kit out of shoeboxes, briefcases, old lunch boxes, etc. Any sort of case would work. This option would be more suitable for plopping down in one place and exploring a smaller area like a backyard. Check out this beautiful example of an explorer kit made from a case!
Step 2) Fill up your kit!
Collection of items spread out on the ground to make a nature explorer kit, including backpacks, field guides, mini microscope, etc.
Now this is the fun part! There are so many great options when it comes to stocking your nature explorer kit. Here are some of the ideas we had:
- Field guides
> Trees
> Birds
> Wildflowers
> Insects
- Nature journal
- Nature printables
- Magnifying glass
- Binoculars
- Scissors
- Multi-tool pocket knife
- Compass
- Jars for collecting interesting items
- Bug catching kit
- Tray with compartments
- Portable microscope
- diy nature weaving board
- diy cardboard flower pressIf you have any other items outside of this list for your own nature explorer kit, feel free to add them! These are just some ideas to get you started.
Step 3) Head outside.
Once you have all your items gathered up, head on out, and explore with your kids! Use your binoculars to try and spot some birds or other #wildlife. Look at bugs through your magnifying glass!
Identify the plants right in your own yard with your field guides and learn what they might be useful for. (Or you might learn that you have some poisonous plants growing that need to be removed. Ask me how I know 🤣).
You might be surprised at how many interesting things there are to see right in your own backyard if you just go out and look for them! We’ve seen swallowtail caterpillars, whole bird’s eggs and nests, bats, fireflies, birds, garter snakes, and more just within our small city backyard.
Another thing we love to do is to meander around and keep an eye out for interesting nature finds. Look for unique rocks, pine cones, interesting bark, plants, berries, or flowers. Stash anything of interest that you find in your jars or collection tray!
Just make sure to keep an eye on what exactly your kids are touching and getting into. Look out for poison ivy, mushrooms, snakes, and other issues you know of in your local area.
A few more ideas:
There are so many ways to utilize your nature explorer kit! These are some things that we like to do.
- Use your field guides to identify plants as you walk. Teach your kids to respect plants!
- Draw pictures or write observations down in your nature journal. I like to ask sensory questions like what colors do you see or what sounds do you hear or what textures have you felt.
- Follow the prompts on some of my printable nature activity sheets (get below).
- Collect bugs and discuss their unique purpose in the circle of life.
- Use the magnifying glass to look around in the grass and see what you can find.
- Try to navigate to and from different areas using a compass.
- Sort and categorize your nature finds once you’re finished collecting. Talk about each item with your kids!
- Dissect items with the pocket knife (using appropriate adult supervision). [Um...]Conclusion
Let’s not let familiarity with our surroundings create boredom in us or our kids. I know for me, it’s far too easy to overlook the really amazing and interesting things that happen all around us every day. This nature explorer kit was a hit for my little guy and I hope you enjoy it too!
Now head outside discover things you and your kids have never noticed before!"
Source [contains ads and other spammy stuff]:
https://ourdaysoutside.com/diy-nature-explorer-kit-for-kids/#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #AdventureBackpacks #NatureExpolorerKits #WildlifeBackpacks #NatureBackpacks #Birding #PlantIdentification #InsectIdentification #NatureBasedLearning
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"#MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer Backpacks are designed to encourage children and families to explore the outdoors together while learning about wildlife and habitat. Each backpack includes authentic scientific tools and resources, along with a custom-made user’s guide that walks the borrower through each item in the backpack and provides activities, games, book lists, and more. You’ll find tips for spending time outdoors with children, seasonal exploration prompts, nature journal templates, and even ways to use your smartphone to connect with wildlife.
We currently offer:
- Library packs for public library patrons to borrow and use in their communities (see a list of participating libraries below)
- #GilslandFarm packs for sanctuary visitors to check out for a small fee to use on-site
- A set of student packs at #FieldsPond to help educators facilitate field work and nature-based STEM learning with their classesFor more information, or to purchase Nature Explorer Backpacks for your library, please contact Molly Woodring at [email protected].
Library List
Albion Public Library, Albion
Bangor Public Library, Bangor
Berwick Public Library, Berwick
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Boothbay
Bremen Library, Bremen
Brewer Public Library, Brewer
Buck Memorial Library, Bucksport
Cary Memorial Library, Houlton
Casco Public Library, Casco
Chase Emerson Library, Deer Isle
Dyer Library, Saco
Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
Fort Fairfield Public Library, Fort Fairfield
Harrison Village Library, Harrison
Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library, Greene
Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston
Liberty Library, Liberty
McArthur Public Library, Biddeford,
Millinocket Memorial Library, Millinocket
Norridgewock Public Library, Norridgewock
Old Town Public Library, Old Town
Orono Public Library, Orono
Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
Readfield Community Library, Readfield
Rockland Public Library, Rockland
Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough
Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta
Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan
Springvale Public Library, Springvale
Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth
Thomaston Public Library, Thomaston
Thompson Free Library, Dover-Foxcroft
Vassalboro Public Library, Vassalboro
Veteran’s Memorial Library, Patten
Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook
Waterboro Public Library, Waterboro
Windham Public Library, Windham
Winterport Memorial Library, Winterport
Zadoc Long Free Library, BuckfieldNature Explorer Backpacks are made possible by the Stephen & Tabitha King, and the Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundations."
Source:
https://maineaudubon.org/education/early-childhood/nature-explorer-backpacks/#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule! #AdventureBackpacks #BorrowingBeyondBooks #BorrowDontBuy #AdventureBackpacks #WildlifeBackpacks #NatureBackpacks #Birding #PlantIdentification #NatureBasedLearning
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Schmetterlingstour 🦋
So hätte man Wanderung 1 diese Woche durch die #FränkischeSchweiz auch nennen können. Eigentlich gings zum #Druidenhain, aber in den Beitrag haben es jetzt lauter kleine Poser mit Flügeln geschafft 🦋😅
Es gibt aber auch echt viele Wiesen, die voll mit (hauptsächlich heimischen) Pflanzen blühen. Total schön!#AutorinOnTour #JanikaAufAchse #Natur #Outdoor #OutdoorExplorer #Natureexplorer #Waldwanderung #Wandern #Franken #FrankenLeben #WandernInFranken #Wiesenttal
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Feuersalamander! 😍
Gestern Abend bei Regen habe ich zum ersten Mal überhaupt einen adulten #Feuersalamander in freier Wildbahn gesehen. Was für ein hübsches Kerlchen 😍
Ich würde behaupten, dass das die gebänderte Variante #SalamandraSalamandraTerrestris ist. Wenn das jemand mit Sicherheit bestätigen/korrigieren kann: gern!
Seid ihr schonmal einen Feuersalamander begegnet?
#Nachtspaziergang #Regenspaziergang #OutdoorExplorer #Naturelover #Natureexplorer #draußenunterwegs #Outdoor #Amphibien
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So viele neue Wege!
Das ist für mich das Schönste daran, #draußenunterwegs zu sein. Ich liebe es, den etwas kleineren, vielleicht auch nicht so gut einsehbaren Wegen und Pfaden zu folgen und zu sehen, wo sie mich hinbringen. Oft warten da die schönsten Flecken. 😍
Wie seht ihr das? Gut beschilderter Weg oder kleiner Trampelpfad?
#Wandern #Natur #Brücke #Wald #Wald #natureexplorer #hiking #summerhike #Waldweg
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Erste Begegnung
Da habe ich gestern auf dem Rückweg zum Auto am #LaacherSee aber nicht schlecht geschaut. Als kleines Kind wollte ich unbedingt einmal Hirschkäfer sehen, es war mir aber nie vergönnt. Und gestern krabbelt mir dieses durchaus stattliche Kerlchen quasi vor die Füße. 😯
#hiking #Wandern #draußenunterwegs #naturelover #natureexplorer #Hirschkäfer #ImWaldUnterwegs #Käfer #Buglife #stagbeetle