I am all about helping turtles cross the road. And I’ve accomplished this helpful move several times with small turtles. But this big guy was having none of it. The Youtube videos that show viewers how to safely move snapping turtles across the road without losing a finger apparently only work with snappers who are…
The last Saturday in April—that’s tomorrow—is National Sense of Smell Day. This may or may not be a day that interests you, however it piqued my interest for a couple of reasons. First, I wondered what your favorite smells might be, and we’ll get to that in a sec. It also reminded me of a…
I live in an area that has an abundance of ponds–and thus an abundance of frogs. This time of year the cheeping, croaking, and peeping is deafening. I love it! It’s not uncommon for me to have one or two of the cute little buggers attached to my living room window like funky decorative clings….
April is National Frog Month. I’m not ribbiting you—it’s true! Check out these lesser-known frog facts and then leap into learning with a sampling of free frog-related activities found at themailbox.com. Last, but certainly not least, tell us if you’ll be investigating frogs this April! Five Frog Facts Each frog species has a unique croak….
It’s Learn About Butterflies Day. I wonder who decided that March 14th was a good day to focus on butterflies? Currently I’m still wearing chunky sweaters and we’re getting a wintery mix outside…and I’m in North Carolina! But it’s certainly nice to focus on these lovely critters instead of the sloppy mess outside the window….
January and penguins go together don’t you agree? Actually, next Saturday, January 20 is Penguin Awareness Day, a day to celebrate these unique and fascinating flightless birds. You may know that penguins are among the most social of all birds. After all you’ve probably seen photographs featuring hundreds of penguins hanging out together. However did…
When I was little, my Mom would read aloud a picture book titled, Night Noises and Other Mole and Troll Stories. It was one of my favorites because Mom always did Troll’s voice with the perfect amount of frenzied hysteria. In the story “Night Noises,” Troll gets irrationally scared at the chirping of crickets and…
Mosquitoes love me…I mean they REALLY love me. I’m originally from Michigan, where we half-jokingly refer to the mosquito as our state bird. (When you have over 11,000 lakes you end up with a lot of mosquitoes.) Although I would be happy if mosquitoes disappeared from our planet, animals like frogs and bats would be…
The rumbles and cracks of thunder can startle even the most stoic. Here in the boro, the last seven days have brought us five thunderstorms and each has been a real doozy! With this in mind, I thought I’d share a nifty little song that has a soothing effect on children, adults, and even pets!…
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy—it’s another giveaway! Today’s National Teacher Appreciation Week Giveaway prize is five nature-themed books. The collection includes a wordless picture book that reminds readers of the importance of bees in our ecosystem, a stunning picture book that introduces seventeen fantastic flowers, two books about trees that beg to be compared…