Craig Williams’ Post

Did you know that April is Children and Nature Awareness Month? In a world filled with screens and technology, reconnecting children with nature is crucial. It's not just about having fun outdoors; it's about nurturing their curiosity, fostering empathy for the environment, and instilling a sense of stewardship for our planet. 🌱 From exploring local parks to planting gardens and going on nature scavenger hunts, there are endless ways to engage children with the outdoors. Let's prioritize these experiences as they can shape their perspectives, values, and ultimately, their future relationship with the Earth. 🌍 #aloneshow #nicoleapelian #naturalwellness #natureswellness #wilderness #nature #getoutside #natureconnection #naturalconnection #connectiontonature #childrenandnatureawarenessmonth #children #natureawareness #childrenandnature #natureeducation #outdoorplay #environmentaleducation #earthstewardship #natureexploration #screenfreechildhood #naturelove #outdoorlearning #kidsinnature #earthconnection #greengeneration #natureappreciation #natureforall #natureplay #earthconscious #natureinspires

Did you know that April is Children and Nature Awareness Month? In a world filled with screens and technology, reconnecting children with nature is crucial. It's not just about having fun outdoors; it's about nurturing their curiosity, fostering empathy for the environment, and instilling a sense of stewardship for our planet. 🌱 From exploring local parks to planting gardens and going on nature scavenger hunts, there are endless ways to engage children with the outdoors. Let's prioritize these experiences as they can shape their perspectives, values, and ultimately, their future relationship with the Earth. 🌍 #aloneshow #nicoleapelian #naturalwellness #natureswellness #wilderness #nature #getoutside #natureconnection #naturalconnection #connectiontonature #childrenandnatureawarenessmonth #children #natureawareness #childrenandnature #natureeducation #outdoorplay #environmentaleducation #earthstewardship #natureexploration #screenfreechildhood #naturelove #outdoorlearning #kidsinnature #earthconnection #greengeneration #natureappreciation #natureforall #natureplay #earthconscious #natureinspires

Did you know that April is Children and Nature Awareness Month? In a world filled with screens and technology, reconnecting children with nature is crucial. It's not just about having fun outdoors; it's about nurturing their curiosity, fostering empathy for the environment, and instilling a sense of stewardship for our planet. 🌱 From exploring local parks to planting gardens and going on nature scavenger hunts, there are endless ways to engage children with the outdoors. Let's prioritize these experiences as they can shape their perspectives, values, and ultimately, their future relationship with the Earth. 🌍 #aloneshow #nicoleapelian #naturalwellness #natureswellness #wilderness #nature #getoutside #natureconnection #naturalconnection #connectiontonature #childrenandnatureawarenessmonth #children #natureawareness #childrenandnature #natureeducation #outdoorplay #environmentaleducation #earthstewardship #natureexploration #screenfreechildhood #naturelove #outdoorlearning #kidsinnature #earthconnection #greengeneration #natureappreciation #natureforall #natureplay #earthconscious #natureinspires

For more than 50 years, Earth Day has signified a time for people to come together to invest in the health of the environment both locally and globally.🌎 As one of the largest groups of land managers and community service providers, park and recreation professionals and their agencies are essential to these environmental efforts. Several agencies shared their Earth Day and Month initiatives with us in the April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. Read the full article to... 🌎Learn how Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation in North Carolina is promoting nature and agriculture as one of their main missions year-round. 🌎Explore what parks and recreation in Wichita, Kansas is doing to remind folks how important it is to take care of our environment. 🌎Discover the 2024 Annual Bike to Earth Day event held by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation in Indiana. 🌎Hear from Douglasville, Georgia Parks and Recreation on replenishing the tree canopy in a recently renovated park, which suffered a loss of trees during construction. 🌎Get a taste of the fun events and volunteer efforts put on by the Forest Preserves in Cook County, Illinois that allow people to give back to the natural world. 🌎Find out how the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department in Cary, North Carolina is getting community members involved in climate actions and stewardship strategies through dozens of programs. Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4cI0dRV #PowerOfParks #NRPAEarthMonth #EarthDay #EarthMonth #Conservation #WhereYouBelong #ClimateHero #Parks #Recreation #Environment #Sustainability #Nature

Nurture a love for the outdoors in your kids! This article offers tips for introducing kids to the wonders of nature. From safety to educational activities, discover how to make outdoor adventures memorable for your family. #KidsInNature #OutdoorFamilyTime

Our Who I Am Foundation volunteers in #Phoenix will be doing another Family Hike and Trail Clean-Up (PHX)! SATURDAY MORNING (FEBRUARY 3RD) we will be cleaning up the Holbert Trailhead on South Mountain in South Phoenix! Difficulty: Difficult Access: Start at the Park Main Entranced. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Holbert Trail. This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. Hike the extension trail that leads to Dobbins Lookout and be rewarded with a magnificent view of the valley below. The Holbert Trail also provides a route to connect with the National Trail just east of the T.V. Towers and west of Buena Vista Lookout. Distance: 2.5 mi Elevation Change: 1,100 ft. Hiking is an excellent low-impact workout, and is an outdoor activity delivering benefits beyond scenic and fun. Below are five reasons to hike with your kids: 1. Exercise. 2. Build self-confidence 3. Exposure to wildlife 4. Practice “Leave no trace” A great opportunity to talk about why we do not leave our trash in the park, and what happens to the litter that is left behind. 5. Unplug together We all know that kids spend a lot of time using digital media, and it is true for adults as well. Heading out for a family hike is a great way to take a break from your devices and connect with each other and the outdoors for a while instead. Make sure you dress appropriately!! For more information or to join: https://lnkd.in/g2zn7sKW #TeamWhoIAm_Phoenix

Meet Lane! A Corpsmember serving with Youth Outdoors. 🌱 Why did you join the Corps? "I joined the Corps in a moment where I was getting myself together financially after eviction concerns and more. In the first month of training, I was getting on the bus around 4:30am and getting home around 8pm to attend, because I wanted to do this. It has been challenging and I have to be honest about that. But it’s conviction that I can make the most of this program that is keeping me continuing and what got me started. I have always been interested in nature, education, and believe in the quality of the work one puts into something. In a time when I needed stability, I joined to get it, and to gain experience in Minnesota cultural history, ecology, and working with young people to support their interest and passion in these subjects." 🌱 What have you enjoyed the most about the Corps so far? "On a surface level, my favorite parts so far have been traveling to different areas of the city that are in my project host's jurisdiction and I’ve never seen, and the world of plant identification. " 🌱 What has been the most meaningful part of your experience as a Corpsmember? "Meeting people both in CCMI and in partner organizations who I can see have true passion for the work they do, and knowledge to share. Also building up technical skill for project work, many of which I never saw for myself (ie. chainsaws) has been a self actualizer for my own confidence. It’s something that has encouraged my imagination and skillset of what I can do." 🌱 If you could be an expert at anything, what would it be? "I never want to be an expert in anything, the journey of learning is what it's all about! Also that one full quote is 'Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.' :)" 🌱 What's your favorite outdoor activity? "Now, walking around my neighborhood, and attending outdoor work days with organizations like Autonomous Yurt Union. For the past, I’ll tell you my favorite and first outdoor memory, which was collecting snails from all of the Blue Lily of the Nile (they liked the underside of the leaves) in my condo complex. I built the snails weird houses with patio bricks, took notes on their features and behavior and sent them to my cousin, thought about making escargot (but didn’t), built them boats for the puddles after it rained (this was hazardous) and took my friend’s Caprisun straw to dissect a dead one." Thank you for sharing Lane! If you want to be featured in a Corpsmember highlight, go here: https://lnkd.in/gGEe35-x If you want to be featured in a Alumni highlight, go here: https://lnkd.in/gb85354Y [Image Description] "Member Highlight: Lane, Youth Outdoors Crew Member" with image of a person holding a chainsaw on top of a stump.

Let’s face it: state parks deserve more. Although many Californians love the state’s parks, they are not aware that many of these places are state parks. With a looming budget deficit that may cut off access programs and much-needed funding, this lack of awareness can lead to missed opportunities for all Californians to enjoy the parks and a shortage of financial support and vital stewardship state parks need to thrive. Read John McKinney’s Los Angeles Times op-ed, “Californians love the state’s parks. We just don’t know they’re state parks,” here: https://ow.ly/NJo050RHkgo.

👶🦅 What Happens to Crow Babies? Do They Stay or Go? Curious about what happens to crow babies once they fledge? Here’s the scoop: Crow youngsters often have a unique journey when it comes to joining or leaving their family groups. After leaving the nest, young crows (or "fledglings") typically stay close to their parents for a while, learning essential skills and gaining experience. During this time, they may continue to be part of the same social group, receiving guidance and protection from their family. As they mature, however, these young crows might eventually seek out their own territories or join new social groups. The transition depends on various factors, including availability of resources and the dynamics of the local crow population. So, while crow babies often start by staying close to their parents, they may eventually set off on their own adventures or integrate into different groups, continuing the cycle of learning and social interaction. 🕊️ Visit our website to learn more about us: https://www.deboss.no/ Follow us on all social media for more updates: Facebook @DeBoss Instagram @_deboss_teamsupwithnature_ #Crows #BirdBehavior #Wildlife #Nature #Birds #DeBoss #CrowFamilies #AnimalBehavior #SocialGroups

This April, it is a time to acknowledge the significance of park inspections and maintenance in our municipalities. Here's why it matters: Safety Matters Every Day: Daily inspections ensure that your parks remain safe for all, even after the Easter festivities. We help you uphold safety standards year-round. Sustaining Beauty: The charm of our parks extends beyond holidays. By maintaining them diligently, you preserve their allure, providing serene spaces for recreation throughout the year. Community Connections Persist: While Easter Monday may mark the end of the holiday, your parks continue to unite communities. They serve as meeting points, playgrounds, and sanctuaries for shared experiences, fostering bonds that endure. Economic Boost Endures: The economic ripple effects of vibrant parks don't fade after Easter. They remain catalysts for local businesses, attracting visitors and residents alike, driving prosperity in our neighborhoods. This April, renew your commitment to the well-being of your parks and communities. Together, let's ensure they thrive long after the Easter eggs have been found. CityReporter stands ready to support your municipality's journey toward sustainable, inviting parks.