Nicely illustrated guide for beginning naturalists, youthful or adult. Looks at spiders, fungi, earthworms, galls, wildflowers, vines, lichens, maples, starlings, squirrels, and other common but interesting "finds." Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Winter is no time to limit nature activity! In Discover Nature in Winter, informative background on winter stargazing, wildlife behavior, deciduous and coniferous trees, melt-freeze cycles, and much more are paired with hands-on explorations that bring this season to life—no matter where you live. These simple, nonintrusive activities require only common household items—pencil, notebook, magnifying glass, bug box, ruler—and a bit of natural curiosity.

A wealth of information. - Booklist "A nice range of accessible information and activities." - Orion Afield

“With the twinned calamities of climate change and mass extinction weighing heavier and heavier on my nature-besotted soul, here were concrete, affordable actions that I could take, that anyone could take, to help our wild neighbors thrive in the built human environment. And it all starts with nothing more than a seed. Bringing Nature Home is a miracle: a book that summons butterflies." —Margaret Renkl, The Washington Post As development and habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. In his groundbreaking book Bringing Nature Home, Douglas W. Tallamy reveals the unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife—native insects cannot, or will not, eat alien plants. When native plants disappear, the insects disappear, impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. Luckily, there is an important and simple step we can all take to help reverse this alarming trend: everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. By acting on Douglas Tallamy's practical and achievable recommendations, we can all make a difference.

This book will introduce you to the beguiling world of nocturnal animals through directed observations and hands-on exploratory activities that lead you to your own exciting discoveries.

Hiking, trekking, camping, climbing, biking, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, whitewater rafting, and mountaineering with children of all ages 50 family adventure trips--close-to-home, budget-wise, and national parks How to plan, pack, and organize trips, especially tricky with infants and toddlers and extended, mixed, or blended families A helpful guide for parents who want to keep traveling, remain active in the outdoors, and get their kids interested in nature and the environment. Blends interactive parenting and coaching skills with outdoor sports, adventure, and travel. Taking children on camping trips or rafting trips can be a challenge, but by balancing safety and adventure, independence for older children, and family participation, everyone can have fun. A section on safety includes basic first aid and what to put in emergency kits.

With wonder and a sense of humor, Nature Obscura author Kelly Brenner aims to help us rediscover our connection to the natural world that is just outside our front door--we just need to know where to look. Through explorations of a rich and varied urban landscape, Brenner reveals the complex micro-habitats and surprising nature found in the middle of a city. In her hometown of Seattle, which has plowed down hills, cut through the land to connect fresh- and saltwater, and paved over much of the rest, she exposes a diverse range of strange and unknown creatures. From shore to wetland, forest to neighborhood park, and graveyard to backyard, Brenner uncovers how our land alterations have impacted nature, for good and bad, through the wildlife and plants that live alongside us, often unseen. These stories meld together, in the same way our ecosystems, species, and human history are interconnected across the urban environment.

Delve below the Earth, soar beyond the heavens and scour every corner of the planet to discover wonders far greater in number than the world's Big Seven -- and just as astounding. A riveting read for weird science buffs of all ages and an ideal way for parents and kids to share the thrills of learning, 1000 "Wonders of Nature" spotlights incredible animals, formidable forces of weather and mysterious occurrences -- and clearly explains the facts of science behind them all. Filled with 1,300 up-close and astounding full-color photos of the most intriguing living creatures and impressive natural spectacles. Chapters highlight: -- Nature's Great Events, from the self-healing secrets of Peruvian parrots to the underwater fireworks sparked by spawning corals -- Amazing Animals, from lizards that walk on water to fish that spend the night in slimy "sleeping bags" to birds that feast on blood -- Microscopic Marvels, from destructive plant viruses that hitch rides with insects to friendly fungi that supply trees with essential minerals -- Heavenly Amazements, from diamond showers that fall from the sun to comets, quasars and blue moons -- Forces of Nature, from the world's tallest waterfall to horrific hurricanes, terrifying tornadoes and volatile volcanoes

We know by the calendar when springs officially begins, but how does nature tell us spring has come? In Heralds of Spring in Texas Roland H. Wauer walks us through Texas, from the Rio Grands to the panhandle, as spring arrives.

Details the Bible-based homeschool teaching approach for parents, and discusses Christian education, learning styles, unit studies, bible study, and more.