The Journey from Winter to Spring
Photo Source: Unsplash
As we find ourselves nestled between the depths of winter and the promise of spring, February 1st or 2nd, marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This time of year symbolizes the gradual transition from darkness to light, from dormancy to growth. In fact, Nebraska will gain 60 minutes of sunlight in the month of February.
Nestled between the depths of winter and the promise of spring, this time of transition out of the dark and into the light becomes a time to honor the stirrings of life beneath the frozen earth and to celebrate the impending return of warmth and vitality to the natural world. Here are five activities to connect with nature as we journey from winter to spring.
Five Family-Friendly Activities:
Nature walks, while wearing appropriate clothing in colder months are a great way to get outside, get vitamin D, breathe fresh air and experience the health benefits of being in the outdoors.
Nature Walks: Bundle up and venture outdoors for a family nature walk to embrace the changing season. Look for signs of emerging life, such as early buds, sprouting bulbs, and the return of migrating birds. Take time to listen to the sounds of nature, feel the earth beneath your feet, and breathe in the crisp winter air. Encourage children to collect natural treasures like pinecones, feathers, and stones to create seasonal crafts or nature-inspired art.
The taste of fresh produce in the Summer starts in the winter with garden planning.
Garden Planning: Use this time as an opportunity to start planning your family garden for the upcoming growing season. Gather together seed catalogs, gardening books, and sketchpads, and involve children in choosing which plants to grow. Discuss the importance of biodiversity, companion planting, and sustainable gardening practices, and let kids get creative with their garden designs. Consider starting seeds indoors to get a head start on the season and nurture seedlings together as a family.
Family Outdoor Club at Prairie Loft is an excellent outdoor, family-friendly activitiy.
Family Outdoor Club: Join us at Prairie Loft for Family Outdoor Club on Saturday, February 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. This month will focus on birds and their nests! Family Outdoor Club activities are designed for kids ages 2-8 with their grownups. Free will donation: $5 per family per Saturday. Family Outdoor Club is offered the 3rd Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m., year-round. Each month's program includes active outdoor exploration, art activities, take-home projects, and more. Activities take place both indoors and out. Please dress for the weather. No need to RSVP. Just come ready to learn and have fun!
Even as we gain sunlight throughout the remainder of winter, stargazing on crisp, clear nights can begin earlier in the winter months. Photo Credit: Kathy Jensen
Stargazing: As the nights gradually grow shorter, take advantage of clear evenings to indulge in some family stargazing. Bundle up in warm blankets, set up camp chairs or lay down blankets, and head outside to observe the celestial wonders above. Use a stargazing app or guidebook to identify constellations, planets, and other astronomical phenomena, and encourage children to share their own interpretations of the night sky's mysteries.
Making crafts from found objects has two benefits, exploration to find the objects and the creative process to make something from what was found.
Nature Crafts: Get creative with seasonal nature crafts that celebrate the beauty of Imbolc and the changing season. Gather natural materials such as twigs, pinecones, dried leaves, and flowers, and encourage children to use their imagination to create nature-inspired art. From handmade bird feeders and woven twig ornaments to leaf rubbings and flower mandalas, there are endless possibilities for creative expression using materials found in nature.
Don’t forget to join us at Prairie Loft for Family Outdoor Club on the third Saturday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. February's topic will focus on birds and their nests.
As we embrace the midway point between winter and spring, let us take time to connect with the rhythms of the natural world and cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. Whether it's through nature walks, garden planning, stargazing, or nature crafts, there are countless opportunities to come together and celebrate the magic of the changing season.