As a new school year begins, classrooms are once again filled with curious students ready to learn. While many lessons begin inside the classroom, some of the most meaningful learning can continue outdoors, helping children discover the lands and wildlife right in their own backyard.
Connecting young people with nature at an early age can spark curiosity, encourage observation, and foster a lasting appreciation for the outdoors. When children learn to recognize a bird by sight or sound, a familiar walk can become an opportunity to discover something new.
At Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, we love seeing educators find creative ways to help students make those connections. Sister Bethany is one example of an educator finding simple, meaningful ways to introduce her students to local wildlife.
Sister Bethany uses our Common Birds of Tug Hill Forests placemats as part of the Pope Leo Green Apple Recognition Project, which recognizes young people for the ways they are caring for God’s creation. Students receive a certificate and a small token of appreciation, with the bird placemats offering another way to celebrate their efforts.
For Sister Bethany, the placemats are more than a prize. They help students become more aware of the beauty around them while giving them an opportunity to express themselves through coloring and exploration.
The placemats feature colorful illustrations, names, and descriptions of local birds, including the Great Horned Owl, Wild Turkey, and Broad-winged Hawk. The reverse side invites students to use a field guide or bird book to color the birds as they appear in real life.
Then the lesson can move outside: Can you find them?
Students can look for birds in their habitats and listen for their calls and sounds. A simple activity encourages them to slow down, look closely, and notice the wildlife around them.
And there is plenty to discover. The birds featured on the placemat represent just a few of the nearly 200 species that live in or migrate through the Tug Hill region throughout the year.
For Sister Bethany, these activities are also a way to encourage gratitude and care for God’s creation.
“We take care of what we love, so the more we know about it, the more we are inspired to take care of it.”
She hopes that helping students learn about the beauty around them will inspire them to appreciate and care for the land and wildlife they encounter.
Are you finding creative ways to bring nature into your classroom or youth program? We’d love to hear about it! Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust is happy to connect with educators and share ideas and resources that can help young people explore nature. Contact us at 315-779-8240 to start a conversation.