Author: Barb

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October Planner for the Outdoor Hour Challenge

October 2017 Nature Planning PageOctober 2017 Nature Planning Page-Print out your own copy here!

Now that there is no longer a newsletter with a planning page, I decided that I wanted to create a printable page each month for us to use along with the Outdoor Hour Challenge

I am going to do my best to make this available on the first of each month to make life easier.  Print the page and use it as a reminder of the month’s nature study topics. Note the newsletters from the archives listed on the planning page that members can access for additional nature study ideas and activities. Jot notes on the planning page as the month’s outdoor time unfolds and topics of interest pop up. Use any additional suggestions to keep your nature time interesting and fresh.

Download your copy here: October 2017 Nature study Planner Page

I am excited to get started with this particular series of challenges and I hope you are too!

 

Printables for Members Button
New printables are now posted in the Member’s library!

Members have two new printables to use this autumn.

  1. Autumn Photo Project: It’s always fun to take on a photo challenge and this printable will be something that everyone in your family can use. There are two different photo challenge lists, one is a bit simpler for younger photographers. Print, cut the list out, and adhere it right into your nature journal as a reminder!
  2. Shrub Grid Study printable: This brand new printable is going to help you with your shrub studies. There is a study grid, bookmark list, four seasons shrub project, and a nature journal topper for you to choose from.

 

Print a complete list of printables available to Members for easy reference: Printables for Members

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Outdoor Hour Challenge – Autumn Goldenrod Study

Goldenrod+nature+study+@handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com.jpg

Outdoor Hour Challenge

Goldenrod Study

From the Archives and the Autumn 2009 series of challenges (no ebook but printable notebook pages are available)

I am super excited for our autumn flower study, either the goldenrod flower or one of the alternatives listed in the challenge. I love looking at wildflowers in this transitional time of the year. After the abundance of summertime wildflowers, autumn flowers are more subdued but still pretty and very interesting. This is certainly the case with the goldenrod. I think the narrative section in the Handbook of Nature Study about the goldenrod is one of my favorites.

Please join us for an autumn flower study!

 

1 Outdoor Hour Challenge Oct 17 to Aug 18 Plans

Remember we start the Autumn 2010 series of Outdoor Hour Challenges next week. You can see the plan in this entry: Autumn 2017 Nature Schedule.

 

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Nature Journal Examples – September 2017

Weekly Nature Journal Project

September 2017

The weather has drastically changed in the last week or so here in Central Oregon. We have gone straight to chilly autumn weather and sprinkles from time to time. I haven’t seen the aspens changing color yet, so I’m still waiting on that show of color to really feel like autumn is here to stay.

My nature journal continues to fill up with new and exciting things as I learn about the plants and animals. There is always something to put in the journal when I get ready each week to make my page.

During October, I encourage you to make time for a page or two with your children or just on your own. Make it a special time with a special snack or drink to enjoy while you work on your page. In a few weeks, the Outdoor Hour Challenge will be to get started on your journal so take that encouragement and create a simple nature journal page.

Here are my September pages for inspiration:

IMG_1391

I wanted to make a record of this gorgeous flower we saw on our visit to Crater Lake National Park back in July. I decided to sketch it even though it was a little daunting to get it right.

rabbit brush

This shrub is the most abundant flowering plant in my area right now. I love where there are whole fields of it with its cheerful yellow flowers. We have a bit on our property so I’ve been able to watch it bloom and now fade. I will look forward to seeing it next summer.

IMG_1579

This page came about when I brought in a small bouquet of wildflowers and put them in a vase on my kitchen counter. I found that practically overnight they went to seed. The small winged seeds had spread all around the vase. The lupine pods have been sitting on my nature shelf for a month or so and I heard a popping sound the other day and discovered the pods had burst open and shot the small round seeds flying all over the shelf and floor. I decided to create a page that will remind me of the seeds and the promise of next year’s wildflowers.

 

Instagram OutdoorHourChallenge

Don’t forget that I am sharing a nature journal page each week on my Instagram account if you want to see the pages as they unfold. Follow me here: Instagram – outdoorhourchallenge. And, if you want to create a page and share it on your Instagram for me to see, use the hashtag #OHCnaturejournal

Autumn 2010 Outdoor Hour Challenge

Join us for the autumn season series of Outdoor Hour Challenges using the ideas in the Autumn 2010 ebook. The first challenge will be October 6, 2017.

 

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Outdoor Hour Challenge – Cocklebur Study

Outdoor Hour Challenge cocklebur @handbookofnaturestudyOutdoor Hour Challenge

Cocklebur Study from the Wildflower Set #2 Ebook (available in the Ultimate and Journey level memberships)

Inside Preparation:

The rough cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) is a widely dispersed plant in North America. See the range map here at USDA Plants.

Outdoor Hour Time:

Look for cocklebur to be growing in open, often moist, disturbed areas with poorly drained soil. They need full or partial sun. The flowers bloom from July to October.

  • Ebook users can use the suggestions in the challenge to observe carefully your cocklebur. Others can make careful observations of the stem, leaf, flower (if any), and seeds.

Follow-Up Activity:

  • Create a nature journal page for the cocklebur using the notebook page provided in the ebook if desired or in your own personal nature journal.  There is also a coloring page for the cocklebur in the ebook.
  • Start or continue a notebook page for the aster family of plants, listing any flowers in the aster family you observe.

 

OHC Wildflower Set 2 @handbookofnaturestudy

How do you get the Wildflower Nature Study Set #2 ebook?

Members of the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey levels have access to the new ebook in their library. You need to click the “Members Area” button at the top of the website, sign into your account, and the ebook is there to download and save for your family to use when desired. If you don’t have a membership yet, I am offering a $5 off discount code that will be good towards your Ultimate Naturalist membership.

Discount Code: Wildflower5

 

Wildflowers, Weeds, & Garden Flowers Notebooking Pages

If you are looking for a variety of wildflower, weed, and garden flower notebooking pages to use in your nature journal, I highly recommend this set from NotebookingPages.com. I have used them with my own family in the past and love them. Please note I am an affiliate for NotebookingPages.com and I will receive a small commission if you eventually purchase any of their products after clicking the link above.

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Outdoor Hour Challenge – Salvia

Outdoor Hour Challenge

Salvia Flower Study

From the archives and from the Autumn Nature Study Continues ebook

 

Salvia Study 1

Here in the high desert of Central Oregon, we have a variety of blooming flowers that will grow that provide color, don’t need a lot of water, and are pretty much deer resistant. Salvia is one of those flowers. We have some gorgeous deep blue, almost purple, salvia in our front yard and I often times see the hummingbirds and butterflies flying around its blossoms.

This week we’re going to take a closer look at salvia if it’s available in your garden or area. If not, make sure to read the additional activity ideas at the bottom of the challenge.

Fall Flowers Drawing

Here’s one suggestion:

Additional Activity: Make it a fun flower study activity for your creative child! Put some garden flowers in a vase on a table along with sheets of paper, colored pencils, and magnifying lenses. Invite your child to make a sketch for their nature journal or to put on your nature table.

Would you like to see our family’s salvia study from a few years ago? Here is the link:

Family Salvia Flower Study

 

 

Nature Study Notebooking Pages

Are you looking for a huge set of nature study related notebooking pages to use with your family? I highly recommend this set from NotebookingPages.com. We used them in our family for many years and they are a super easy way to get started with nature journaling.

Use code discount5 to save $5 on any purchase $10 or more from NotebookingPages.com.

If you you use the coupon above to purchase the nature study set, it will bring the cost down to $5.95 for over 293 notebooking pages.

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From the Archives: Struggling with Consistency and Focus

Nature+Study+Consistency+and+Focus+button.jpgStruggling With Consistency and Focus

From the Archives: This is one of my favorite posts for encouraging new and struggling families with their nature study plans. The thoughts expressed by one of my readers reflect a common struggle that many people have and email me about often.

The reader posed this dilemma:

She shared that she has a hard time focusing (on nature study), was easily distracted by really good ideas, and felt that she needed to cover academic subjects first while she had the children’s attention.

In this post from my archives, I address this situation with some practical advice using the Outdoor Hour Challenge (specifically challenges 1-3).

I invite you to click over and read the entry and see if you find something there that encourages you as the new school year begins or maybe something in the post will stimulate you to give nature study a chance.

Let me know if you have any questions or additional comments.

This is what I encourage you to remember if nothing else:

Nurture a love of the outdoors and the interesting things you find there with your children as they are growing up. Train their eyes to see what is there in front of them….stop and look and listen. These are skills that will make them happier people and better students in all areas.

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Outdoor Mom – September 2017

 

cows in the backyard sept 2017 (6)

Outdoor Mom

September 2017

Coyote Oregon

I just keep adding to my list of animals seen here in Oregon. This week there were sightings of a porcupine and a coyote! The coyote was just trotting along through the back pasture until he came upon a downed tree. He hesitated and then pounced on some little creature, shook his head a bit, gobbled it up, and then continued trotting on down the way. It makes me very happy that my cats are indoor cats!

We’ve seen a variety of birds this month, including a whole flock of mountain quail. They are a bit different than the California quail I’m used to seeing.  They don’t have the curved topknot like the California quail but rather have a straight plume sticking up. The mountain quail are much smaller too.

wildfire smoke oregon

The most memorable outdoor related thing about the past month has been the amount of wildfire smoke in our area. It’s been a constant feature of every day as it obscures the view of the mountains and sometimes even just the across the street. Looking on the bright side, it makes for some crazy colored sunrises and sunsets.

Paulina water slide

Our grown boys are staying with us right now and we try to fit in some local fun as we all get to know our new area. This past week we hiked up to some waterfalls that create a natural waterslide. The water was pretty cold but the air temperatures were hot. The men all gave the slide a try while I was content to watch, photograph, and stand with my feet in the water along the shore. What a memorable day!

New bike at deschutes river

I picked up a new-to-me bike at the thrift shop for $20 and we’ve had it out for a spin a few times on the bike trail at Sunriver. There are miles of trails that wind around the resort and down along the river. Whoever planned the trail was smart! They strategically placed park benches along the trail in perfect spots for viewing the beautiful vistas (when there isn’t wildfire smoke). This new bike will allow us to cover more ground when we explore the beauty of Sunriver.

Mullen in grass

Garden Update

Just to note my gardening challenges, I was told I live in plant hardiness zone 5A. I’ve been talking to my neighbors about their success in gardening here in the high desert and so many of them have told me to only plant things that are meant for garden zone 4. This means I have to look for plants that have a range down to -40 degrees! I couldn’t understand why at first but just this week I had someone explain it to me in a way that makes sense.

Garden zones take into consideration the low temperatures overall. Here in my area we have the potential for frost throughout the summer and very cold nighttime temperatures will affect the growth of plants. So, this explains why on the surface it appears that I could get away with plants for zone 5A, but just one night of a cold snap will kill them or stunt their growth. It’s far better to pick plants that will grow in zone 4 range instead and not chance it.

I get it now. I will continue my quest to make a practical garden plan over the winter.

You can use this website to get an idea of your climate zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

If you live in my area, I have found this to be a very helpful guide that we’ve printed out and saved: Xeriscaping in the High Desert.

 

Want to join in the Outdoor Mom post?

Answer all or just one of the prompts in a blog entry on your own blog or right here on my blog in a comment. If you answer on your blog, make sure to leave me a link in a comment so that I can pop over and read your responses.

  • During our outdoor time this week we went….
  • The most inspiring thing we experienced was…
  • Our outdoor time made us ask (or wonder about)…
  • In the garden, we are planning/planting/harvesting….
  • I added nature journal pages about….
  • I am reading…
  • I am dreaming about…
  • A photo I would like to share…

 

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Back to School Homeschool Giveaway at NotebookingPages.com

2017 Back-to-School Homeschool Giveaway

Many of you know that I am a big fan of NotebookingPages.com and their many homeschool related products. Because of that, I am making sure you know about their current promotion.

This giveaway is worth taking a look at and you may be the Grand Prize winner of an outrageously amazing prize package, including an Ultimate Naturalist Membership here on the Handbook of Natuer Study.

I invite you to click over and enter to win! Plus, if you sign up for a subscription, you get a free Notebook Sampler.

Make sure to enter by September 8th!

 

Please note I am an affiliate for NotebookingPages.com and I receive a small commission if you end up making a purchase.

Notebook Pages in Your Nature Journal

How to Organize Your Nature Notebook Pages

Free Notebooking Pages Product Sampler from NotebookingPages.com.

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Autumn 2017 Nature Schedule and a Giveaway

I’m hoping there will be many of you who will be joining us for the up-coming autumn season of nature study. I’m all geared up to jump into an ebook from the archives with fresh eyes in a new location.

I am by nature a planner, and I know many of you are likewise, so here’s the plan for the next few months here on the Handbook of Nature Study.

 

Autumn 2010 Outdoor Hour ChallengeThe majority of the challenges from October through December will be coming from the ebook shown above: Nature Study with the Outdoor Hour Challenges – Autumn 2010. This ebook is found in the Ultimate Naturalist Library membership. See below for a chance to win a copy of this ebook!

October 6 – Signs of Autumn

October 13 – Nature Journal – How to Get Started

October 20 – Geese and Ducks

October 27 – Horse (and dog)

November 3 – Apples

November 10 – Seasonal Tree – Leaves

November 17 – Year Long Study –  Queen Anne’s Lace

November 24 – November World

December 1 – Seasonal Weather

December 8 – Pine Cones

December 15 – Trout and Salmon

December 22 – December Mini Challenge

 

1 Outdoor Hour Challenge Oct 17 to Aug 18 Plans

If you want to see the complete plan for the next year, you can pop over to this entry to see what will be covered: Plans for October 2017 to August 2018.

 I’m giving away 5 copies of the Autumn 2010 ebook!

Would you like a chance to win the Nature Study with the Outdoor Hour Challenge – Autumn 2010 ebook? Here you go! Enter by leaving me a comment and then using the Rafflecopter gadget to make your official entry. The giveaway will end on Friday, September 8, 2017 at midnight. You can enter once a day until then!

I will be choosing 5 winners at random!

The giveaway runs until Friday, September 8, 2017 at midnight so enter now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Ultimate Ebook Library @handbookofnaturestudyUse the discount code NATURE5 to receive $5 off an Ultimate Naturalist Membership!

 

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Where is the Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter?

Change is good! I know many of you are disappointed with my decision to stop creating a monthly newsletter. Please read the rest of this entry to understand a bit more about my decision to make some changes here with the Outdoor Hour Challenge and memberships at the Handbook of Nature Study. (You can read my previous entry here: Plans for October 2017 to August 2018.)

New Beginnings

Here we are at the beginning of a new month and a new school year. My fellow nature-lovers have long enjoyed the monthly newsletters here at the Handbook of Nature Study but now the time has come to make a change. With 76 issues in the archives, I’ve helped to create quite a library of ideas and encouragement along with my amazing contributors.

Over the last year I became increasingly aware that the newsletter has had a good run but it was time to go in a different direction. So, instead of creating a newsletter each month to encourage nature study, I will be back to writing encouraging blog entries on a regular basis that subscribers will receive in their email inbox.

I Will Still Be Creating New Resources for Nature Study

In addition to those blog entries, there will be new things like printables and ebooks shared via the Member’s Library.  (Remember Ultimate and Journey level members get all the new printables and ebooks for the year of their subscription.)

How to Get More Out of the Newsletter Archives

All 76 of the past newsletters are included in every paid membership level here at the Handbook of Nature Study (Ultimate, Journey, and Discovery levels).

To help you see what is actually available with your membership, which includes the 76 newsletters, I am going to do two things: give everyone access to several complete newsletters as samples and create a printable list of the topics and contents of each issue.

Would you like a sample newsletter?

October 2014 – Fall Trees Newsletter

April 2015 – Nature Journal Fun Newsletter

Download the two newsletter and you will get a really good idea of what is included in each issue.

 

Newsletter Index download

Would you like to print a list of newsletter topics and contents?

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter Index

The newsletter index will be helpful in making the decision to purchase a membership.  It will also be a quick guide for all members here on the Handbook of Nature Study to find resources to supplement your nature study.

Remember, every level of membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study includes the 76 archived newsletters!

It’s the beginning of a new chapter here on the Handbook of Nature Study and I hope you will stick around to see all of the amazing things I have planned this year.

If you haven’t subscribed to my blog yet, I encourage you to give it a try and see if it encourages you and your family to get outside and learn together, to explore together, and to get to know the amazing things right outside your door! Subscribe here: Email subscription to the Handbook of Nature Study blog.

Be encouraged! Be inspired! Get outdoors!

Ultimate Naturalist Library Benefits by Level Sept 2017