September’s chilly mornings have arrived, bringing with them the first natural indicators of fall. The back-to-school month’s treasures reveal an emerging rainbow of color amongst the summer’s sea of green, as well as the harvest of foods of all kinds (for both humans and local creatures!). Though early fall flowers may be allergy-producing for some, they’re also an indicator of seasonal change – and bouquets of them can cause both sneezes and nostalgia for summer’s lush gardens. This month’s nature table blends the treasures of late summer with the surprises of early fall, opening children’s eyes to the overlap in seasons that we’re currently experiencing.

The summer’s last nature table brings with it a hodgepodge of items gathered in destinations near and far. Inviting comparison of landscapes, treasures gathered in a variety of natural surroundings highlight the similarities and differences of places explored throughout the summer. August’s nature table is a reminder of all of summer’s adventures, and the exciting learning that takes place in an unfamiliar landscape.

Rivers and lakes are full this July following the influence of Hurricane Arthur and random rain storms. Our overheated selves find that all roads lead to the riverbanks and lakesides for us to find soothing coolness. These relief bearing waterways also provide for July’s Nature Table. It’s a very different looking nature table to previous ones- probably because the waterways have become destinations for a warm and sometimes sticky summer! Plus, there’s much to find on your hikes to cool streams tucked deep into the woods!

And that means more nature-based learning for children! Check out our Nature Table for this month and see what you can add to your own!

June Is Bustin’ Out All Over…so goes the song and so goes the truth in Western Massachusetts! Nature Table for June is the last for the school-year but collections will continue throughout the summer. June is the month when nature raises to meet the insatiable curiosity of children, and provides a conveyor belt of treasures for nature based learning. Read the post and see what nature has left on the table!