It’s National Wildlife Week!
I was pretty excited to
learn that March 17-23 is National Wildlife
Week, as declared by the National Wildlife Federation
(NWF). The focus this year is Wildlife and Water because, as the
NWF says, “One thing that all wildlife need, whatever they are and
wherever they live, is WATER.”
It seems meant to be that I would lead my first ever Birding Kayak Tour with the birding superhero George Gerdst is during this week. You’d think I’d planned it this way, but I just got lucky.
When I delved into the meaning of “National Wildlife Week,” I learned that it is the National Wildlife Federation’s “longest-running education program designed around teaching and connecting kids to the awesome wonders of wildlife. Each year, we pick a theme and provide fun and informative educational materials, curriculum and activities for educators and caregivers to use with kids.”
If I’ve learned anything as an outdoor guide, it’s that adults are big kids who want to get out and play, so it’s never too late to get outside and get connected. Today seems like a good day to go out, get away from the hustle and bustle and noise, put away the cell phone and laptop, and just listen to the birds, pet the Sea Cucumbers at the Poulsbo Marine Science Center, or walk some docks and marvel at the sea anenomes growing just under the water.
If you want ideas, curriculum and other information about this wonderful week (which I hope we’ll stretch to fill our whole lives), e-mail nationalwildlifeweek@nwf.org or visit their website at www.nwf.org/national-wildlife-week.aspx.
Watch for my group of 19 today – we’ll be the ones paddling around Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay in brightly colored kayaks with binoculars glued to our eyes.
It should be a great day to get out and play!
What are you going to do to celebrate and honor Wildlife and Water?
Great weather for birding and other outdoor activities! As I cleaned up recently pruned fruit trees on Bainbridge Island, I enjoyed birdsong and play of light as sun moved across sky.