Spring is the perfect time for us to get outside and connect with nature. National Wildlife Week is from April 3-9. Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” show has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to create and dedicate a brand new online resource, which includes informational and exciting content on wildlife in North America as well as ways for parents and kids to get out and experience nature.
Since 1938, the National Wildlife Federation has focused on the celebration and conservation of wildlife. This year’s theme is “exploring nature’s playground,” encouraging people to get outdoors and connect with nature.
National Wildlife Federation naturalist David Mizejewski and host of “Wild Kingdom” Peter Gros share some ways families can get outside and connect with nature.
The backyard is the perfect place for parents and their kids to start connecting with nature. One of the best ways to get involved and connected with life, Gros notes, is starting in your backyard by planting flowers, which help pollinators, especially in the spring. Not only does this help kids experience nature, it helps support the wildlife in our backyards that we sometimes forget need our help.
Planting a tree is a powerful way to connect kids with nature — they watch the tree grow as they grow. “When you see and experience nature, you develop a love of it, and you’ll know and understand why it is important to protect it,” Mizejewski says.
An activity that Mizejewski recommends is a nature scavenger hunt. This is a perfect idea for a playdate that makes outdoor activities interactive. Visit the National Wildlife Week website for ideas and everything you need to plan a nature scavenger hunt with your kids.
Kids and their boundless energy, now that the skies are blue and the sun is out, and many kids are on spring break this week we can get motivated to get outdoors. What’s great about living in California are all the national and state parks throughout the state. For instance, Gros says, Malibu Park is in full bloom and the rivers are flowing.
There are plenty of health benefits kids get from being outside, such as performing better academically and lessening the risk of being Vitamin D deficient. Other ways you and your family can get involved in National Wildlife Week include symbolically adopting an animal, using social media to spread the word and planting native trees. Additionally, the Play it Forward Pledge helps aid in protecting our nation’s wildlife and it spreads awareness. When you take the pledge and share #playitforward, you are entered to win prizes. For more information, go to the National Wildlife Website.
