How to Build a Connection to Nature as a Family by Group for the East End
Instilling a connection to nature in children benefits their physical, mental, and emotional health, now and in the future. It’s also an incredible way to make new memories as a family. The good news is you don’t have to travel off the North Fork to do it! Get started with these easy ideas by Group for the East End.
Develop Seasonal Rituals
Mark the changing of the seasons with fun nature-centered celebrations. Hike your favorite trail at the start of each new season to see how it changes. Make a special dessert for each equinox or solstice. Sing a welcome song and create a dance with natural objects found outside. With the summer solstice upon us, it’s the perfect opportunity to create a new family tradition that honors the outdoors.
Prioritize Outdoor Play
Group for the East End director of environmental education, Jennifer Skilbred, has a sign next to her TV that says “Go outside, you silly human.” This gentle reminder encourages her family to spend time outdoors every day. There is always something fun to see, do, and explore, even if the weather is less than ideal. Just a few minutes in nature has its benefits, and the more you make getting out there a normal part of your family’s day, the more natural the experience will become.
Bring an Accessory
When you venture into your backyard, neighborhood, or nature preserve, bring an outdoors accessory like a magnifying glass, binoculars, or a bug net. This helps grow your family’s curiosity by looking at things differently, whether it’s the tiny things hiding in a patch of moss or looking up into the top of a tree. These different views can spark new questions and lead to new interests to discover together.
Pick a Favorite Tree
Notice the trees in your neighborhood. Maybe there’s a special one in your yard, down the street, or by your weekend bagel spot. Choose a favorite and spend a few minutes every week checking on it. How do the leaves change as spring transitions to summer? Look closely and notice what insects may live on the tree and what birds perch on its branches. Identify the tree species and take time to learn more about what makes it special. You can even come up with a silly name, like “Oakley the Red Oak”! This activity will support empathy and growth, and give children a chance to see a tree not just as one plant but as part of a community.
Establish Your “Home Trail”
Pick one spot that you can visit at least once per season. Notice how the trail changes through the seasons, from the plants and trees to the creatures that inhabit the local environment. What late spring flowers are blooming? Do you notice more butterflies as summer approaches? What sounds do you hear? Children may also start to feel some responsibility for the trail as it becomes their own special place. Encourage them to bring a bag and gloves to remove trash as you explore. Repetition is great for young children, and nothing in nature stays the same. As long as you bring wonder into the experience, you will never get bored with your family’s favorite trail.
Set up a Nature Table
Bring the outside in with a small space where nature treasures can live in your home. It can be as simple as a small vase with wildflowers, an assortment of collected shells, and a favorite rock on a table or tray. As you bring in new things, return others. Everything in nature recycles! We all know children like to fill their pockets when exploring outdoors, so use this as an opportunity to put some of those treasures on display. It will act as a reminder to get outside and of the fun you had last time you explored nature together.
Developing a connection to nature starts with small adventures. With a little wonder and curiosity, the bond will only grow stronger. See you outside!
Through environmental education programs in schools, nature outings, and volunteer events, Group for the East End inspires children and adults to appreciate, respect, and protect all things natural on the East End. All year, Group for the East End leads family-friendly nature outings across the East End. Find upcoming events here.