Strolling Sunday

Enjoy the weekend and take note of the environment around you.

SCAVENGER HUNT: Get your steps in with kids in toe for a Nature Scavenger Hunt - so many great options online or make your own!

BIRDING: Love birds? Take a listen - on a walk, in the park, in your backyard - learn birds by sound or turn it into a game. Song Sleuth and BirdNet are just two of the many app options that can help you become a birder by ear!

Of course you might want to watch and learn which bird is which. That’s another great way to go. Bird watchers can identify many species from just a quick look. They’re using the four keys to visual identification: Size & Shape, Color Pattern, Behavior, and Habitat. To learn more, check out the Cornell Lab Bird Academy with videos and other resources, including games, to help you become an expert - well, at least in your own backyard.

PLANT ID: This time of year will allow you to see many shades of green - in plants and trees. Need help figuring out what they are? Well, there’s an app (or many) for that too! PlantNet, LeafSnap (developed in partnership with the University of Maryland, the Smithsonian and Columbia University), and PlantSnap are just a few of the tools out there that could transform your walks, your knowledge and perhaps even your yard and garden!

STORM DRAINS: Walk, identify and count the storm drains in your area. Does it lead to the Magothy or Severn? Get a sense of your area and direct connection to the Chesapeake. And better yet, if it needs cleaning, please do that! Remove debris -litter, grass and leaves - that blocks the water flow or runs into the river. It can also lead to storm drain problems like flooding.

PLOGGING! It’s all the rage in Sweden - let’s help it take off here! Do some good for you with your exercise (by jogging and doing squats) while also helping the planet (by picking up litter). Dazzle your friends with the fun fact of the day. How to say “pick up” in Swedish: “plocka upp”. Put this all together and you’ve got PLOGGING! We are not making this up - read all about it.

All that said, enjoy a great day in nature! The more you do, the more you appreciate it - and more likely you will do your part to care for it too. Thank you!