What an incredible day!  I hardly know where to start.  Each Happy Trails event we do gets better and better. 

This outing was so fantastic, for the mere fact that in just over one hour, kids and their parents were exposed to so many gifts from the natural world.  We started by balancing on a manufactured log course.  This was fun, but it was about to get way more interesting.  We walked along the trail above the river, then began to explore the area around a large downed cottonwood.  The kids had a fantastic time climbing, and their parents got to practice taking a deep breath!

We found our way down to the frozen Mississippi, and had what can only be described as a magical time.  We learned that the river was safe to walk on, here on the edge.  We learned what our bodies were capable of doing, as we attempted much climbing and jumping.  We learned that beavers must live here, as evidenced by the chewed logs.  We learned about the cycles of life and death, as we saw evidence of a coyote's rabbit meal.  We used magnifying glasses, and got a closer look at what we thought we knew.

Mostly, we learned about ourselves, as parents faced their apprehensions head on (will she get hurt climbing?  Is the ice really safe?), and kids (and their grown-ups) played and explored their world, and their places in it.  
 

One of the things I love about doing this nature club, is meeting all of you lovely parents.  Everyone who comes out is so nice and friendly, and fun.  This event was so fantastic.  It was pretty cold outside, but we had scheduled lots of time to be indoors in the large National Wildlife Refuge's Visitors Center.  They families utillized every corner!  There were kids and their parents viewing the Red Tailed Hawk out near the bird feeding station, kids drawing on nature color sheets, parents and kids reading books, kids doing floor puzzles, and checking out computerized information.  Still others checked out the many displays, warmed by the fireplace, and perused the gift shop.  This was educational, and we hadn't even been outside yet!  But, since we don't want nature to be an abstract idea, we then bundled up, and went out to play!   

The discussion following any screening of Where Do the Children Play? is just as important as the film itself, I believe.  It is believed that the processing of an event afterward is how learning occurs, and, I think, synthesizing the information.  We had a rich discussion that night, sharing our concerns, ideas for change, and also more information.  Thanks to all who came out to see the film, and also to those who were able to contribute to a fantastic discussion.  I love grassroots movements!  Happy Trails will be screening it again in April, in conjunction with Children and Nature Awareness Month. 

Our last several events have been so meaningful to me.  It's been an honor to watch kids and their parents relaxing and having fun in their natural surroundings.  We have explored a marsh, played in the dark under a moonlit sky, enjoyed bonfires, and hid in prairie grass.  I love to observe kids clambering all over nature:  logs, boulders, etc.  Already new friendships have been made, and we have a few families that have made it to 2 or 3 Happy Trails events.  I invite everyone to come check us out.  Go at your own pace.  Give yourselves permission to "just be" for a while.  I think you'll be glad you did!  Jodi

I love to be outside with kids at night!  They sense the different energies of the Earth and her creatures, and their senses become acute.  Our guide Rebecca was so fantastic.  Since she works at Dodge Nature Preschool, she knew the land like the back of her hand, even in the dark.  She led us to special areas where the kids could explore logs (huge fungi!), smell the pine grove, and listen for owls.  This event was great, as it demonstrated to all that we need not be afraid to go out after dark. 

Jodi

This Children in Nature conference was the second one I've attended on this subject, and I was once again blown away.  There are so many dedicated people, internationally, nationally, and right here in MN who are working hard to turn the tide, where kids and nature are concerned. 

It's so great for me to be in a room with close to 200 local people who are like-minded.  The president of the Children and Nature Network, and the chairperson of the MN Children and Nature Connection both pointed me and Happy Trails out the the entire gathering, which was great exposure for our group.  I learn so much at these conferences from top researchers, and will do my best to pass along what I learn with local families, and others.