Blustery Day on Mount A

The view from the top

              I've got the hikin' fever! Spring is coming and nice weather screams out to me:  "Get out into the woods!"  With the impending rainy week ahead, my two boys and I decided to make the most out of the nice, yet blustery, day and headed down to York to hike around Mount Agamenticus.

All smiles

              Mount A has a little something for all levels of hiking.  Those who are in for a workout can park at the entrance and complete the Ring Trail to the Summit and down.  Our family enjoys driving up to the Summit and checking out the Learning Lodge before venturing down the mountain.  Today we went down Vulture's View.  It was mostly smooth rock faces which proved a little tricky with the water covering them from the snow melt.  I would suggest taking down the Witch Hazel Trail and then staying along the Ring Trail.  The Ring Trail  has several interactive signs for young ones detailing a moose named Moss' journey home and for those desiring more information about local flora and fauna.  Regardless of which trails you decide upon, make sure to take in some time at the Summit.  The view of the White Mountains is amazing and on a clear day Mount Washington is clearly visible.

Looking for a picnic spot

             The Mount Agamenticus area hosts a variety of animals including fox, moose, black bear, turtles,  and deer.  In the upcoming weeks Mount A's vernal pools will serve as breeding grounds for many types of frogs and salamanders.  In the Fall they showcase a variety of migrating raptors that can easily be viewed from the Summit.  Mount Agamenticus trails are made available for hikers, bikers, horses, and ATV's so make sure to check out the map for the trail that fits your needs.

Shelter-providing snag 

                  Mount Agamenticus is the perfect place to help your child search for animal signs!  Mount A is home to several areas of snags (dead trees) that provide shelter for many animals and are fun to stop and explore.  We found animal prints in the mud, animal holes in the trees, cracked shells stacked together after the insides were eaten, and tracings of moles who had traveled underground. Although the wind was whipping and the air smelled of rain, we happily spent another beautiful day in the Maine woods!  For more information on Mount Agamenticus check out http://www.agamenticus.org/recreation.html.  Happy Travels!

Tigers, Oh My!

           One thing I have enjoyed about being a parent is the beautiful perspective I've gained when looking at the world through my son's eyes.  The way dandelions become wonderful sprites of freshness and sunshine; the way tucking under the covers reading picture books becomes priority number 1; the way a day's worth of worries can be washed away by one soft, gentle smile; and the way Dylan's recent obsession with tigers reminds me that I have the responsibility to protect the world he will grow up in.  

       About two months ago Dylan became obsessed with tigers.  We have tiger figures, tiger books, tiger paintings, tiger stripes painted on sheets so that we can pretend to be tigers, tiger mugs, tiger rescuer vests, tiger stuffed animals, and stones serving as tiger teeth.  When I say obsessed I truly mean fanatical; he will tell you about the 3 subspecies that have become extinct, about the 6 subspecies that are still living, and how humans are killing tigers and destroying their habitat.  His beautiful blue eyes implore you to help save the tigers so that they "can be still around".  When he's talking about the tigers disappearing his face takes on a small pout, his voice a serious, urgent tone, and his eyes a piercing sadness.  His tiger tutorial is always followed up with a hopeful reminder:  "Don't worry!  You too can help to save the tiger."  A piggy bank sits in our living room collecting our spare change that Dylan plans to send into the "tiger savers".

          This picture was taken at the Animal Kingdom in Florida on our recent family vacation.  It has stayed with me as an eerie reminder of the tiger's fragility and the possibility of tiger extinction during Dylan's lifetime.  Some experts predict that without effective conservation efforts wild tigers could be extinct by 2021- Dylan would be in high school.  Other experts estimate the tiger's extinction to be 20 - 30 years away; regardless, in my son's lifetime.  It saddens me to think of this happening; to think of tigers not being a part of Dylan's children's lives. 

      Understandably, we can not all quit our jobs and leave our families, heading off into the wild to be tiger rescuers. Individually, we can not educate the tiger poachers, fund the families who are killing tigers for meat, or dissipate the housing crisis that growing populations are experiencing requiring them to destroy the tiger's habitat.  I am a realist; I know this.

         

 

             We CAN educate our own children about the importance of animals in the world and of the value of protecting our natural resources and natural habitats.  We can teach our kids to care for others, to practice acts of kindness, and to stand up for those people and animals who can stand up for themselves.  We can help them fundraise for organizations that are acting on our behalf to save endangered animals and habitats around the globe.  We can empower them with helping out in our own communities where they can impact people, animals, and habitat locally.  We can immerse them within nature so that they feel connected to the world as a whole and teach them how their daily actions here, in Maine, effect the entire globe.  

      Still struggling with the concept of time, Dylan Thomas always asks me, "Mommy, is today yesterday's tomorrow?"   We have the power today to help our children impact their own tomorrows.  With great power, comes great responsibility.  It's really made me reflect upon my daily actions and how I am actually-as opposed to wishing for or talking about- making the world a better place.  I can do better; for the tigers, for Dylan, for other people's Dylan's.

For more information about tigers, check out http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/tigers/index.html. 

Science at Sandy Point Beach

Sandy Point Beach is the perfect place to expose children to introductory geologic processes and to get a close-up look at some super cool ocean creatures.  Located across the bridge at the entrance of Cousin's Island, Sandy Point Beach is one of Yarmouth's hidden gems.  

View of the bridge from the beach

My first visit-of many- was after I was tipped off by a friend who had heard me complaining that I had been in Maine for a whole year without getting to see starfish.  I'm not sure if she was trying to quiet my whining or help me out, but I will forever be thankful that she pointed me in the right direction!

                           White Egret in the Summer

One of many starfish

Sandy Point Beach has a small parking lot and rarely gets very crowded. Although some people use it as a "beach" area in the summer for swimming and soaking up the rays, I prefer to visit during low tide with a bucket, shovel, net, maginifying glass, and picnic.  The short path down to the beach leads you to the long strip of beach.  To the left are some great rocks to climb on that provide great samples of white quartz; to the right is a narrow beach providing many nooks and crannies to explore along the high tide line.  If you look closely at the sand along the high tide line (most clearly visible as you first enter the beach) you will find patchy areas of a purplish hue.  The purple color is from flakes of garnet that have been broken up and deposited on the beach.

Moon snail (I think) that was 5 inches across.

At low tide there is a large sand pit that stretches out across the water.  It is amazing to walk out to the tip of this sand and show your child the way the current moves around the sand, depositing it into this sand bar formation visible at low tide.   Dylan still remembers how water carries sand and makes beach and sand bars because he clearly saw it in action.  Walking along the edge of the water you can see where the current has gently placed layers of sand mounds under the shallow water.  

Sand bar at low tide

Look closer and you will see that the waving seaweed is home to more crabs than you can count.  Be careful though because sometimes we find some with pinchers! Allow yourself the time to look even closer and you find starfish swaying along the bottom, giant snails burrowing into the shelter of the sand, and a variety of shellfish.  Sandy Point Beach makes these discoveries effortless!

Have net and bucket, will explore

One of my favorite memories of this area was just a few weeks ago when Dylan and I decided that a drizzly, foggy day was the perfect time to visit one of our favorite spots.  Donning our rain jackets, rain boots, and gloves we walked down the snowy path to the water, our warm faces soon blanketed by the misty air.  The bridge was barely visible through the fog and the tide was coming in.  Dylan Thomas and I held hands and managed to walk only 10 yards down the beach before the wind picked up slightly.  Fearing that this was a "bad mom moment" and that Dylan was going to quickly transform  into a sick, frozen popsicle I turned to tell him it was time to leave.  

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Dylan had sat down on one of the rocks and was intently watching a group of ducks floating over the water within our pocket of vision carved out by the intense fog.  Suddenly, the ducks started making alarming noises and skitted quickly along the water and off into the trees.  "Mommy, look.  It's a bald eagle."  In disbelief, I followed Dylan's eyes to where he was looking. Time stopped for a moment as we watched a beautiful bald eagle gracefully glide, uncaring of our presence, across the water within 20 feet of where we were sitting.   The great outdoors has its way of providing us with experiences that are both unpredictable and unforgettable and Sandy Point Beach is no exception.  Check it out!

For more information on the geological processes evidenced at Sandy Point Beach, check out http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/surficial/sites/apr08.htm.

Windy at Willard

Sander, Milena, Charlie, and Dylan explore the rocks

    

    Willard Beach is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach located in South Portland.  Although not as far-reaching and grand as some of its neighbors - Crescent Beach State Park or Old Orchard Beach- Willard Beach has become one of our favorites since a friend introduced us to the location last summer.  There is something there for everyone! 

          For our Monday Muddy Toes meet-up, we met at low tide.  Beaches at low tide allow children to fully engage with the coastal environment and provide ample opportunities to explore tidal pools, climb seaweed laden rocks, and follow the paths of water meandering back to their ocean home.  

Sander experimenting with the flow of water

        A few people were inquiring about a good place to locate information on tides.  If you are interested, check out Maine Harbors' tide charts at http://me.usharbors.com/maine-tide-charts. High tide at Willard is equally beautiful, however, be aware that there is very little "beach" for exploring with little ones. 

Charlie and his razor clam

Nola showing Alexander her collection of the day's treasure

        Maine can be unpredictable and sometimes not even a favorable weather forecast can guarantee some sunshine!  Although we were met with a whipping wind and a layer of clouds, the kids were enjoying their surroundings with no complaints; fearlessly stomping in the pools of water, effortlessly conquering the large rock outcrop at the beach's entrance, and wildly searching for unique rocks and shells.  

       They scoured the beach in search of a few common local species:  blue mussels, razor clams, whelks, periwinkles, limpets, and clams.  A few found live clams which generated some wide smiles and a few gleeful "Look what I found!"  

Nola - Treasure Hunter

        We were even able to find some periwinkles and red chitons effortlessly clinging onto rocks and upon lifting the kids were amazed to see that there were really animals in there! As parents, we shared a few pictures of what species to look for but made sure to step back and let the kids guide their own learning through discovery. 

        Eventually, the wind ceased and we walked along the beach toward Fort Preble.  During low tide you can access the fort by traversing the rocks up to the fort and during high tide there is a walkway directly leading to the fort that can be accessed by any of the beach's upward staircases.  Once at Fort Preble, you are only a short walk away from Spring Point Lighthouse.  Dylan always loves walking out to the lighthouse-even though I make him hold my hand along the quick, rocky path- and says it is like walking on water due to the path extending outward from the land. 

Alexander - King of the Mountain

             On Monday, we didn't make it all the way down to the fort.  About 100 feet in front of the fort sit two large, irresistible rocky outcrops that lured in our adventurers.  Our preschoolers were transformed into brave climbers; balancing on the uneven surfaces, hiding from "bad guys" within the crevices, and taking in the view of Fort Levett from the top of the "mountain".  

Claire balancing on the rocks

        Before heading home for the day the kids played for a few more minutes on Willard Beach's small playground using up every last bit of energy they had left.  The drive home was quiet; very, very quiet.

Alexander and Dylan:  Friends taking a rest

Claire

        

          A special thank you to everyone who braved the wind on Monday for our meet-up!  For me, it felt good to get out and made me hungry for Spring!  For those of you we missed, I hope your Monday was filled with smiles as well.   Onward to future adventures!

Discovery's Last Launch

On Thursday, February 24, Space Shuttle Discovery was launched off to space on her 38th flight with nothing less than a hero's sendoff.  In Titusville, chants of USA served as the backdrop for the final countdown, covering up the hollers, the cheerful sobs, and the awe-inspired murmurs as the fiery beauty lifted off for the last time.  Unforgettable moments where we were all world citizens watching the brave among us, wishing toward a common cause, and gently reminded that we are all a part of something larger than ourselves.

Discovery's Launch

For the last year my family has been following the end of the shuttle program and vigorously planning how to get our space geek son (and his space geek parents) to one of the last launches.  Everyone knows that launches are often delayed due to mechanical problems, weather, etc. so the chances of us booking our reservations in August for February and actually making a launch were slim.  After Endeavor's February launch was postponed until April we were devastated, until Discovery's November launch was set for the week in February we would be there.  We got lucky! 

Discovery's Path

Last summer we met a Floridian who was previously a rocket engineer for NASA and he shared with us that the best place to watch was on the water in Titusville.  So, as we left Orlando the day of the launch we knew where to go.  We left 5 hours early for the 4:50 pm launch - I am very type A and like to be places early - only to hit so much traffic that we were pulling into a parking spot at 4:45.  As we were grabbing our things, NASA radio announced a hold on the launch:  a central command computer was down.  "STS-133 might be scrubbed."  We decided that we would "will" the computer to work, jumped out of our car, and fought off the crowds of people to find a perfect viewing spot along the water.  We were in position at 4:48.

Titusville Crowds

People were everywhere.  Car radios were blasting NASA radio, hanging on every word.  4:50 the computer was fixed;  the launch was a go.  The crowd collectively cheered, someone in the distant yelled out USA, and everyone followed along passionately belting out the echo louder and louder.  4:52 Silence.  NASA began the final countdown.  Off in the distance, the launch pad began to spiral red, smoke filled the air, and slowly one of our nation's greatest rose into the air.  People were smiling, hugging, crying, trying to capture some moments on film, and yelling "Go baby go!"  Even writing this gives me chills and puts me back in that moment.  Derek had put Dylan on his shoulders and looking up at him, I saw a little boy in awe, curiously studying the shuttle, connecting with it in a way that only a child could, and taking it all in.  He got it.  He got how special this moment was and his eyes never veered away until minutes later when the shuttle was a distant dot in the sky.  Dylan didn't speak during the launch, but spontaneously began clapping several times.  Unforgettable moments...

Dylan kissing John Glenn

            It might seem as if the shuttle program and reconnecting kids with nature are completely unconnected.  Look a little closer and you will remember that the shuttle program began as a challenge to the American people to unite together and imagine the impossible.  It was a call to action; a call to rise above our individual daily lives and to embrace that we were a part of something bigger, something connected, something important.  In many ways, nature has provided us with the same challenge;  forcing us to look at the future changes to our way of life if we are not able to band together as a people, living with the Earth and minimizing our impact.  As parents, our call to action is to find ways to immerse our children with the outdoors, paving the pathway for future responsibility and conservation.  Then, as we watch our beautiful children form into tomorrow's leaders, we should watch as Dylan did Discovery:  curiously, proudly, and with spontaneous, wild clapping.

For more information on Discovery's last mission, check out http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html.

Winter Family Fitness Day at Pineland Farms

Making the trek uphill

          Sometimes a little fresh air is just what the doctor ordered!  After a week of recovering from our first colds since summer time (I'm whispering this, so that they don't come back), we were ready for some sunshine, some warmer temperatures, and some fun.  We might not have found any warmer temperatures, but we found the sunshine and fun at Pineland Farms on Monday, February 21. The Winter Family Fitness Day event was free and well worth the half-hour drive.  Although we spent most of our day at the sledding hill, there were many other outdoor activities at the Farm if only we could have torn Dylan away.  The well-sloped sledding hills provide a fast ride landing you at the bottom without the typical crashes into trees or other children.  There are so many areas to sled here that even on the busiest days the hills are never as crowded as at Eastern Promenade or Payson Park.

            If sledding is not your thing, there is a great skating pond and numerous trails through the expansive farm and surrounding woods. Pineland Farm charges $3.00 per person for those interested in self-guided exploration.  Make sure to check out a nature pack at the Welcome Center to use during your adventure.  Nature packs include a variety of outdoor tools including field guides, binoculars, and local species tracking and nesting information.  They also rent out snowshoe and cross country ski to use on the many trails.  Prices are as follows: 
SKI & SNOWSHOE PASSES
Day Passes

Laura and Claire

Adult Ski Pass
$13 Day
$9 Afternoon (after 1pm)

Senior/Youth Ski Pass
$9 Day
$6 Afternoon (after 1pm)
Children (under 6) FREE

Adult/Senior/Youth Snowshoe Pass
$6 Day
$4 Afternoon (after 1pm)

Dylan and Casey

            Make sure to stop in at the market, located right next to the Welcome Center, for lunch.  They have breads, cheeses, sandwiches, drinks and tables for you to eat with your family in a laid back atmosphere.  Every Monday there is a story time at 10:00 that provides a snack, story, and some group songs.  Each month the Farm showcases special events from milking the cows to carving pumpkins to learning about making maple syrup.  Pineland Farms is a wonderful, inexpensive place in which to immerse your family in the outdoors.  If you have been there before, please share your experience!  For more information, check out http://www.pinelandfarms.org/index.htm.

Introducing Muddy Toes

Children are only engaging in outdoor “free play” 30 minutes per week.   

This averages to 4 minutes a day (Annenberg Public Policy Center).  

Four minutes a day; the equivalent amount of time it takes to brush my son's teeth. When I first read this statistic I couldn't believe it and it really resonated with me.  Many of my most memorable and character building moments as a child occurred in nature.  Even as an adult, I have always actively searched out nature, finding an inner peace in being connected to something bigger.  Who would I have become without those experiences? Would I still see myself as part of a larger world, one which I have the responsibility to care for and protect? Where would I have learned to turn to when I need to slow down the busy world around me or to find the quiet calm in which to gather my thoughts or make a big decision?  I have made the conscious decision to increase the amount of time my family engages in outdoor free play and I hope you'll come along for the journey!

The idea for Muddy Toes began as part of a leadership project for one of my administration classes at the University of Southern Maine.  I am deeply passionate about the benefits nature provides children and believe that Muddy Toes will be a way to motivate all of us to get outside more. My hope is that this blog will allow our group to share ideas, activities, and resources as we strive to increase our time out enjoying nature.  For my friends in the Portland area, I will be scheduling weekly meet-ups where we can get the kids together at varying locations, learn about our environment, and enjoy the many resources of Maine. For those members outside of the Portland area, we would love to hear ways you are getting your toes muddy! If you get a chance, please share your thoughts below.  Any suggestions, comments, or concerns are always welcome!   Happy Travels!  

Been There, Done That....

My child is an absolute angel. An angel who sometimes throws a tantrum to assert his increasing independence; an angel who will always try (and often succeed) to logically talk me out of whatever it is I'm asking him to do; an angel who while testing the limits of boundaries, never infringes upon the limits of my love for him.  I know although my son is my favorite angel, that I am not alone and that other moms have their angels as well. 

My son and I spent the afternoon relaxing on Kettle Cove State Park's beach, redirecting the meandering river heading down to the beach, predicting how far the waves would crash up on the rocks, and trying to figure out why the cormorants spread their wings in the sun to dry and the gulls didn't.  We collected periwinkle shells, rocks, seaweed, and even teeth that had washed in with the tide and sorted them according to colors, textures, and size.  We then used these treasures and some leaves we had collected to make different shapes and funny stick people in the sand.  All in all it was a perfect Fall morning. 

My son stumbled upon a friend on the beach who was there with his mom and his two younger siblings.  While the boys were playing, the mom and I traded the morning's stories.  It was clear from her red eyes that she had been crying. As it turns out, she had attempted to take all three of the kids (all under the age of 5) to a restaurant for lunch.  Two of the three started crying before the food came and the other decided that staying in his seat was a less entertaining option than running around.  She told me how she was so embarrassed, how everyone was staring at her, and how none of the other moms offered to give her a hand as she was trying to get all three kids safely out of the restaurant before losing her cool altogether and bursting into tears.  "Sometimes I think I'm the only one who has kids that act like this.  Everyone just kept staring at me."  I glanced out at her three children who were now happily playing, digging for treasures, and smiling from ear to ear. They were beautiful little children who were happily engaged in learning and exploring.  I reminded her that all of our little angels have their moments and told her that I admired her for being brave enough to attempt a restaurant alone with three kids under the age of 5. Haven't we all had days like this when we felt like we weren't doing this parenting thing right?  Where, for even the briefest moment, we let the frustrating behaviors cast a shadow on how wonderfully genuine and beautiful our children are?

On my drive home, I couldn't stop thinking about this mom and how alone she felt.  All of us moms want what is best for our children and I would guess that most of us slightly take it to heart when they are not behaving their best.  On top of this, to feel like the whole world is looking at you and judging your parenting skills during one of your angel's "moments", when you are already feeling awful and trying to best help your child, just seems unfair.  

One of the best pieces of parenting advice I've ever received is to block out anyone else but your child and meeting his needs when he is in a meltdown.  Help him feel safe and calm so that he can get to a place where he can express himself using words. With this in mind, I've tried to give space to children who were having meltdowns so that their parents could help support the child the way they know best.  I've always tried to offer a "I know what you're going through" smile and have never judged because I have been there, done that.  Would this woman today have misconstrued my "giving her space" as me not being supportive?  We all have different comfort levels and feelings centered around helping with other people's children and I acknowledge that.  Where are your thoughts on this?  What would you do in this situation?  What would you want people to do for you?

Being a mom is one of the most challenging and wonderful blessings in this world.  Every day I feel privileged to be Dylan's mom and to be his first teacher in this world.  Let's help each other cherish and relish in the up's, while supporting each other through the down's.  My belief is that raising children with large, understanding, and open hearts first begins by modeling the traits of empathy, compassion, and kindness.  They are watching us, perhaps more closely even than we are watching them.

Princess For a Day (Kind-of)...

This year the cold weather will not defeat me. I am determined, if not slightly crazed!
Waking up, it was cold and windy, but as an eternal optimist I convinced myself that the sun would prevail! My son said that he wanted to make a book that would tell other animal scientists what kind of leaves there were. I've heard people rave about Wells Reserve at Laudholm and thought it might be a great place to collect leaves, so we were off.  Upon entering the reserve, I was knocked down (yes, to the ground, bruise on my head, pathetically crying!) by my car door after an angry, strong gush of wind.  As my son was kissing my head to make my "boo-boo" go away, I almost retreated to the warmth of the car and contemplated using the "injury" (insert lots of drama here!) to go home and nap.  My son told me that my boo-boo was gone and that he had turned me into a princess.  How could I break his heart and say we had to leave because his kisses didn't work?  I'm a sucker for the magic of sweetness and love and so I persevered. 

From that point on, my son called me Princess Mommy for the day.  We decided to walk the Knight Trail and along the way we collected maple, oak, and birch leaves to use for our leaf identification book.  We observed many different kinds of seeds, heard quiet footsteps crashing through the woods, watched the squirrels scurrying around collecting acorns in their cheeks, looked for dragons camouflaged and hiding, used our magnifying glass to investigate mosses, ferns, and mushrooms, and raised our binoculars to take a closer look at the birds flying overhead.  As the trail turned into the Barrier Beach Trail, there was a large clearing that we decided to stop and have a picnic in.  After eating, we laid down, held hands, and became observers of the sky above.  With all of the wind, my 3 1/2 year old son was able to see how clouds moved throughout the sky and watched the white swirling within itself as they changed shape.  He suggested that it was fairies who liked to blow the clouds around so that they could make pictures.  Within the 20 minutes, we watched dark clouds quickly get replaced by lighter ones and felt the temperature changes that came with each.  Whenever the wind would really pick up we watched as the leaves fell down upon us and tried to catch as many as we could.  Dylan noticed that the seeds we had been observing earlier were now flying through the air, swirling down in spirals and he wanted to know why.  I closed my eyes and was thankful for these moments of peace, calm, and connectedness with my son, with the world. 

When we reached the Barrier Beach Trail we followed it down to the beach. Dylan (who apparently received my crazy gene) ripped off his sneakers and socks and ran down to the newly formed tidal pools left by low tide.  He found a few crabs, a starfish, many types of shells, and tried to layer flat rocks upon each other so that the ocean didn't "take" the water in the tidal pool away.  He was absorbed in a special place of mystery and was completely oblivious to the cold.  Dylan proudly presented me, the princess, with a large shell filled with sand, sea weed, and 2 dead crabs.  Do real princesses get dead crabs? 

Following the Laird-Norton Trail back to the Visitors Center was an easy walk and we were protected from the wind.  Dylan went off the trail and got his feet soaked.  "Oh man, it must be all that green stuff that made it so wet.  It's everywhere.  See it, Mommy Princess?"  What he was describing was all of the moss and I am confident that for years to come he will remember that moss means wet!  Wet feet and all we were smiling and happy.  All around us the air was fresh, the leaves fell like confetti from the sky, and we were alone to laugh, hold hands, sing, and wonder.  My mind was no longer racing with all that I had been worried about earlier that day, my son was engaged pretending to be an animal scientist, and I was completely present in the moment.  It's the little moments that matter when you allow them to.  It's nearly impossible to press stop on time, but that doesn't mean we can't and shouldn't press pause every now and then.  In the words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."  As if life as a princess couldn't get any better, Dylan said that we should stop and get ice cream on the way home because "That's what princesses like to eat.  And their little boys do to."  (Clearly, he isn't abiding by the "when you are wearing 3 layers and still freezing, with wet feet,  ice cream is out of the question rule....)

For more information on Wells Reserve at Laudholm, check out:
http://www.wellsreserve.org/
Happy Travels!

Nature Matters!

When I was pregnant with my son, I went through a reflection process that I would imagine is common for most soon-to-be moms. I felt compelled to examine my childhood and the way my parents raised me.  What did I want to "repeat" with my own child?  What important values did my parents pass onto me and how?  How do I raise my child to be appreciative of what he has, empathetic toward others, independent, caring, to have a feeling of connectedness with people and his natural surroundings, and to have the inner strength and courage to challenge injustices? From the moment he was born I was struck by an intense need to show him how beautiful his world was and to introduce him to the small treasures of nature.  I wanted to show him the peace that could be found within the quiet footsteps of a long walk through the woods, the ways the crashing of waves could steady the mind long enough to bring clarity, and the feeling you get of being part of something bigger when standing on top of a mountain looking down on the world below.  I wanted him to develop a sense of "new materialism", not based on objects or possessions, but based on experience, appreciation, and wonder.

Last night, I had the honor of attending a presentation at Friends School of Portland by presenter David Sobel.  Sobel has championed "place-based education" as a way to help students find a sense of self within the context of their local surroundings.  He proposes immersing children within hands-on, experiential learning as we facilitate their natural tendency to bond with nature.  Sobel puts words, research, and action behind many parents' intuitions on the benefits of getting kids out into nature.

Sobel shared statistics that were staggering:
*In 1919, children had a range of six miles to freely explore and play in the woods.  Today that range has shrunk to less than 300 yards.
*There is an 80% decrease in infectious diseases in kids in outdoor-based preschools when compared with indoor preschools.
*Time in nature drastically decreases ADD/ADHD symptoms and depression.
*Time dedicated to play, including recess, increases children's test scores.
*Physicians are actually starting to prescribe time in the outdoors to kids to decrease anxiety, diabetes, etc.

Sobel shared a recent study that looked at the environmental behaviors of 2000 randomly selected adults between the ages of 20 and 80.  The study found that adults who were exposed to unstructured, child-directed outdoor play as children held values and exhibited behaviors consistent with environmental stewardship. These were the adults who recycled, became conservationists, voted for environmental issues,  and saw themselves connected to the Earth as a whole.  The study found that other activities such as gardening, tending to animals, and environmental education curriculum did not have as great of an impact on environmental stewardship. 

Most parents I speak with seem perplexed by how to get their kids outside and away from the 6 - 8 hours a day of technology that has become today's norm.  Many say that they are afraid to let their kids play "alone" in nature, as Sobel suggests is needed, because of a fear for their child getting hurt.  All of us parents get this and have had these thoughts.  We love our children and want to keep them from any hurt in this world that we can.  Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, shares that, " In a typical week, only 6 percent of children ages nine to thirteen play outside on their own."  Sobel argues that if parents do a risk-benefit analysis it will become clear that the benefits of granting exploration and empowerment upon children will drastically outweigh any risks that "might" occur.  From my experience as an educator, a 35 year old "child" at heart, and a parent, I would argue that children will choose to be outdoors if they are allowed to play freely and if the wonder of learning from the natural world is modeled by the grown-ups that they look up to. For me, it took taking a close look at my own habits and making sure my daily actions were truly aligned with my values, my beliefs, my heart and that which I wanted my son to take away from his childhood. We are all parents trying to muddle through this wonderfully intricate maze of beautiful ups and downs, endless questions , and rich, teachable moments that we call parenting.    Amazingly, we are doing this solely with instructions written by our past, our dreams, and our heart.  Maybe having a little help from nature can make our jobs a little bit easier...

For more information on the movement to connect children to the outdoors, check out David Sobel at http://www.antiochne.edu/directory/employee_detail.cfm?id=7160002555 or the Children and Nature Network at http://www.childrenandnature.org/.
I'd love to hear your stories on how you connect your children to the outdoors!  Happy Travels!

Enjoying Maine

Parenting is personal.   It’s one of life’s grayest areas where there are no “right” answers, where individual life experiences and expectations mold our parenting styles, and where personal philosophies and beliefs lead us through reflective discussions with friends and family on how to best raise our children.  My closest friends and I have varying viewpoints on many things:  bedtime procedures & times, nutritional needs, and discipline techniques. When discussing whether or not kids spend too much time indoors there is always uniform agreement; along with stories of our youthful days spent exploring in nature.  Luckily, spending time with your children outdoors is easy as long as you pack some curiosity, a little patience, a dash of imagination, and know where to go! 

This summer, I have been a woman on a mission:  Enjoy Maine!  Our family has committed to visiting one new Maine State Park a week.  We picked up a green State Park Passport from a ranger in which we stamp each new park visited and keep some brief notes on each trip’s adventures.  Throughout the upcoming months, I’d like to share a few of our favorite places with you and I hope that you will share some of your family’s hidden treasures with me. 

My newest favorite place in Maine, which changes almost weekly it seems, is Reid State Park located on Sequinland Road in Georgetown and approximately one hour from Portland.   There are two beaches there, Mile Beach and Half-Mile Beach, offering large rock outcrops, meandering streams winding down to the ocean, viewings of the endangered piping plovers and least terns, and more tidal pools than one could explore in a day.  Both the lifeguard and the ranger told me that it rarely gets crowded, making this even more of a gem!  Our favorite part of Reid State Park was the “Lagoon” area, which I have nicknamed “Children’s Paradise”.  I highly suggest that you check the tide charts (http://www.maineboats.com/tide-charts/southcoast) and go at low tide. This area is home to a wave-less lagoon off to the right of the parking lot, a concession stand, and a bathroom/shower area.  The spot we spent the most time at was to the left of the parking lot.  At low tide, there is a sandy beach and large rocks for exploring.   The water is shallow enough (only reached my three year old’s knees) to walk across to other rock outcrops that Dylan called “islands”.   You might want to bring a bucket, a magnifying glass, and a net.  We were able to find various crab species, sea urchins, periwinkles, tiny fish, and watched another family find a baby lobster.  It was great for Dylan to learn how to observe an animal carefully and caringly before returning it to its home.  Such a special and kid-friendly place for observing the ocean world!  Happy exploring!

Surprise Yourself: Canoeing with Children

You’re going to canoe how far?  What will Dylan do in the canoe? Do you know you are crazy? Truth be told, even this nature girl was a bit nervous about completing the Moose River Bow Trip with a three-year old.  I worried about everything that could possibly go wrong: Dylan being bored in the canoe for 7 hours a day; tipping over the boat; the mostly cloudy with probable showers forecast for the week; and even getting lost.  I called my Dad, who was joining us on our adventure, the day before the trip to share the weather forecast and my reservations.   He didn’t offer the “out” I was hoping for, only saying, “You’re worrying too much.  Plan it out.  We’ll adjust as we go along.  Step out of your comfort zone.”  I planned, I packed, and I prayed!

Torrential downpours greeted us as we drove over the Jackman city line where we spent the night before our journey.  When I mentioned that this might be a “sign”, my husband laughed and said it was a sign:  a sign to pack rain gear. Falling asleep that night, I wondered what in the world we were doing and again rehashed all of the potential blunders that might occur along the river and my plan for keeping Dylan safe and happy. 

The next three days were magical (and sunny). Dylan wore his “floatie vest” (life jacket) and sat in the front of the canoe on a cushion with his backpack that he had packed himself.  It’s contents included a net, a few favorite super hero figurines, three books about things he thought he might see on the trip (bugs, pirates, and space ships!), a magnifying glass, his water bottle, and several snacks.  Our family spoke freely and openly about everything silly and serious, had quiet, reflective moments floating down the river, and laughed a lot.  We saw wildlife up close in its natural habitat:  dragonflies, butterflies, a beaver making a dam, frogs, kingfishers, otters, and a moose swimming in the middle of a lake.  Dylan’s favorite part was riding down the rapids.  After each trip down, he would shriek out loud and beg to go down the “river’s waterslide” again.  Each day we spent 6 – 8 hours paddling along, stopping to eat lunch on the sandbars, taking refreshing swims, and finding the best place to set up camp for the night.  The trip went smoothly and when it didn’t, we adjusted.    Whenever Dylan asked to get out and explore we did.  We let him get his own snacks, try to catch fish with his net, paddle an oar, and take pictures of his favorite parts.  When the rapids were too fast we walked him around on land and went down the rips adults only.  We took an extra day to complete the trip. 

Along the river, I shed my worry and fears, and my family had the time of our lives!  By sharing this story, I hope to share my lessons learned along the Moose River:

1.     Step outside of your comfort zone every now and then. Surprise yourself!

2.     Spend less time worrying and more time enjoying.

3.     Things don’t need to go perfectly to be wonderful.  Plan it out and adjust as needed.

If you are new to canoeing and want to try it out with your children, check out the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center http://www.maineaudubon.org/explore/centers/marsh.shtml for canoe rentals & guided tours. The website http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/great-vacations/outdoor-adventures/paddle-pushers-713770/ and the book Cradle to Canoe: Camping and Canoeing with Children by Debra & Rolf Kraiker are both great resources to browse through.  Happy Travels!

Taking Time For You

Every so often in life, you stumble upon a place that becomes you, long after your footsteps have disappeared from its streets:  Castine is such a place.  A small coastal village sitting 2 ½ hours north of Portland, Castine’s population of 1300 is small, but its heart is larger than life.  This town is not for those needing to be entertained in the traditional sense; there are no water parks, no movie theaters, and no golden arches. If the townspeople of Castine were the boastful type, they would describe their home as a hidden gem with country inns, an intriguing history, beautiful sunsets, a whispering ocean breeze, and a genuineness not easily put into words.

Walking the streets of Castine offers a pleasing look into the past with historical markers, multiple forts, and beautifully kept historical buildings depicting life from the 1600’s to present.  The village of Castine is warm, inviting, and simply beautiful.  Castine is a magical one-of-a-kind place:  where gentlemen tip their hats to ladies offering a “good day”; where passerbyers greet each other with a smile and a hello; where a grandfather invites your son on his yacht so he can pretend he is the captain like the man admittingly enjoyed when he was young; where the cadets from the Maine Maritime Academy step aside to let you pass, modeling kindness and respect; and where quality of life is held as the standard of a good life. 

Each of our mornings in Castine were spent the same way: Dylan and I walking down to the village’s one bakery, Bah’s Bakehouse, for a delicious pastry, tea, and hello’s with the locals.  People know when you are not from here and instantly engage you in conversation on a variety of topics centered around who you are and your life experiences, not what you do and what you have.   Our days in Castine were wonderful and kept the hurried life I left behind at bay.   I was able to spend most of the day reflecting on my life, writing letters to friends, enjoying quiet, uninterrupted moments with my son, journaling, watching the rolling waves, figuring out some personal challenges I had been facing, and recklessly indulging in doing absolutely nothing of any importance to anyone.  Long strolls, climbing old forts, oogling over the mansions along the water, lounging at the local library, hiking through Witherlee Woods, perusing the town’s only bookstore, and sitting on the weathered rocks at Dyce Head Lighthouse were the fabric of ours days.  We kept no calendar, we didn’t watch the clock, we were held accountable to only ourselves.

These quiet moments served as a reflective mirror, bringing into focus who I was; offering a chance to see myself outside of the hurriedness of everyday life and the seemingly immediateness of life’s everyday challenges. I felt thankful for the time to reconnect with myself and was able to look at the story I’m writing, which is my life.   As moms, we often find ourselves in a cycle of giving to others and sometimes, if only for a brief moment, we need to give ourselves a little of whatever we need, whether it be time alone on the beach, a weekend away, or a night out with friends.  On my last day in Castine, I ordered my usual tea at Bah’s Bakehouse and smiled as I read the message attached – “One of the best actions we can take, with courage, is to relax.”  So, moms, I challenge you to find time to relax.  You deserve it!