Green Hour South Dakota

Star light, star bright...

2009-09-23T12:39:00.006-05:00

This weekend as part of our birthday party celebration we are offering star shows.

On Thursday night from 8:30 - 9:30PM at PILC we will have out our telescope for a star gazing party. On Friday (9/25) Tom Durkin from the SD Space Grant Consortium will give a video presentation about the Mars Rover at 11AM. And on Saturday and Sunday we will be holding shows at the SD Discovery Center in our traveling planetarium the Star Lab.

What does a star show have to do with Green Hour?

With the days getting shorter, it gets dark earlier, leaving less daylight for after dinner outdoor play. However, this is the perfect time to brush up on your constellations and spend some time bundled in a blanket outside looking at stars. At this time of year, you don't have to stay up till midnight to get full dark and it's just cold enough to be good snuggle up weather.

There are all kinds of ways to spend time in the outdoors and star gazing is about as good a way as I know. Stop by over the weekend at 11AM, 1PM, 3PM to see the star lab show or attend one of our other events.

2009-08-27T11:19:00.002-05:00

The crabtree outside the South Dakota Discovery Center is laden with fruit. We are extending our Discovery Garden to include the tree (and the black walnuts in the Mayor's Grove) since fruit and nut trees can and should be used to feed us in addition to wildlife.

The fruiting of the tree is a sure sign that summer is transitioning to fall. This is an exciting time to be outdoors because, as with spring, this is when things are happening. Your green hour could be to go outside everyday and look for some of the signs of fall such as:
- Flock of blackbirds
- Colored leaves
- Ripe crabapples
- Birds flying south (pelicans, geese, ducks)
- Winds from the N
- Empty bird nests
- Squirrels hiding food
- Acorns and walnuts

Parents and teachers, you can also add an element of citizen science to this by participating Journey North's collection of phenology data.

Journey South
Phenology

Perhaps you might wish to journal about the following:

Adopt a tree that will turn color (maples, cottonwoods, ash)
- Note the date you first notice color
- Note the date that the tree is more than 50% colored
- Note the date that you notice more than 50% of the tree is bare.

Whatever you do, go outside and enjoy all the fine days left to us. We still should have plenty but don't let the abundance of nice weather lull you into feeling there is plenty of time. Soon January will be here and getting outside is more of a challenge.

Enjoy!

Fire pit

2009-08-04T08:06:00.002-05:00

The Green Hour is usually about being outside and being active, especially with your children. But there is a place to be outside and be engaged in something quiet.

For example (and I know I've discussed this before), I am a big fan of eating outdoors. We have a patio set on the back deck and dinners always seem a little nicer when eaten outside. Our patio set is an investment that has paid for itself multiple times over in terms of quality of life.

We recently invested (if you can call a $35 purchase an investment) into another piece of backyard equipment, namely a fire pit. It's small as far as fire pits go but it does the job of making a safe fire in the backyard. We inaugurated ours the other night and had a fine time of sitting around with a few friends. Granted it was a bit warm (83° when we started) and it didn't get dark till a good hour after we started but it was nice to be outside. Quite frankly, I would be hard pressed to offer a reason to my guests why we should be outside once it got dark if we hadn't had the fire pit. Sitting around in the dark might do if you are in the wilds, but seems a little odd for a backyard.

I am always on the lookout for more opportunities to get me outside. Any other suggestions?

Extreme Peppers

2009-07-27T11:08:00.001-05:00

Our peppers are doing quite well at the Discovery Garden. Personally, I would love to "discover" them in some salsa or a bowl of chili myself. No doubt, we will be using them in one of our upcoming classes. Be sure to keep posted to the SD Discovery Website and e-news for announcements.

Collect Bugs

2009-07-15T13:39:00.003-05:00

Today a group of summer program participants kept themselves entertained for over 20 minutes collecting bugs! A "museum" of all of their bugs was created with everyone contributing. The collection included: grasshoppers, spiders, pill bugs, ants, centipedes, and a fly. Although bug boxes were used to capture the bugs, a small jar or box would work well. Of course all animals were released at the end of the program.

Build A Fort

2009-07-01T15:59:00.002-05:00

During this time of year, build a fort!
Go to a local nature area, wear suncreen and bugspray, and move sticks and logs around to create a fort. Last month a group of 11 participants used their creativity to build 5 forts using found supplies. You can see some photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/AnneLewis.Pierre/SummerPrograms09?feat=embedwebsite#

Happy Building!

Square Foot Garden

2009-07-01T14:08:00.003-05:00

As part of our Green Hour experiences, we will be blogging about our Square Foot Garden.

The good news is that the radishes have germinated and soon will need to be thinned. The not-so-good-news? The squirrels are excited about as our garden as we are. Some squirrelish vandalism has occurred and the marigolds (planted to repel pests ironically) have been chewed.

We are not throwing the trowel, however. In an attempt to thwart the squirrels, we have purchased netting. Do you have a suggestion for discouraging squirrels?

Create a Tree Booklet

2009-05-19T13:53:00.003-05:00

Take 1 sheet of paper and a pencil to a tree. Fold the paper in half and then half again, so it is a little booklet.

On the cover-Draw a quick sketch of the entire tree
On the inside left-Write words that describe the tree
On the inside right-Write a poem, or a short story from the tree's perspective (what would the tree say if it could speak?)
On the back-Draw a part of the tree that you like best up close

If you are doing this as a family, each person could contribute to part of each page. If you save your booklet and do this activity once every season, you'll have quite a collection!

A Nature/Unnature Walk

2009-05-04T12:02:00.004-05:00

Create and go on a nature/unnature walk! All you need is 10-15 household items--hangers, rags, paintbrushes, etc (some should blend in due to color and some should stand out). Place the items in the natural area, even your backyard will work!
Then have others try to find them. Which items were easy to find? Why were they so easy to find? This leads to an excellent conversation about camouflage. Are there any insects or other animals around you that have camouflage? Be sure to collect your items when you are done!
For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/archive/maca/learnhome/cur_k3_nat.htm

Birds are Back

2009-03-09T12:55:00.004-05:00

Here are some great books to help you explore and enjoy the returning migrating birds this spring!

1) Crinkleroot's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know by Jim Arnosky

2) The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens by Robert Burton & Stephen Kress

3) Birds, Nests & Eggs (Take-Along Guides) by Mel Boring

4) National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Jon L. Dunn

Go Fly A Kite

2009-03-03T08:03:00.006-06:00

March has come in like a lion in most of South Dakota. But long time residents know that this is winter's last gasp and it's time to start thinking about spring!

This month, the SD Discovery Center's Green Hour program will be a kite making and flying event on Saturday, March 28 at 1PM. We will meet at the SD Discovery Center to make our kites from recycled materials (after all, Earth Day is just around the corner) and then go outside to fly them. There is no charge but a freewill donation will be accepted*.

So go fly a kite and join us for a day of kite fun. If you already have a kite, please join us as a group of kites in the sky is a splendid sight to behold. Even if there is precipitation, we will still get our kites ready for the first good kite flying day which can't be that far away.

*Regular exhibit hall fees apply if you want to visit the Center.

5 More Easy Ways to Explore Outdoors

2009-03-02T13:02:00.001-06:00

5. Got dirt? Let little kids dig with plastic shovels and pails.

4. Adopt a tree. Take pictures of your favorite tree in different seasons and around different family events. How does it change?

3. Go harvesting. Take kids to pick apples, blueberries or corn.

2. Camp in the backyard.
And our favorite Earth Day tip for reconnecting kids and nature:

1. Keep a “wonder bowl.” Kids fill their pockets with acorns, rocks and leaves. Empty those pockets into a bowl, so kids can linger over their treasures.

From: http://www.conservationfund.org/children_nature/top_ten_tips

5 Easy Ways to Explore Outside

2009-02-24T12:06:00.002-06:00

Here are five ideas of ways to explore the outdoors from the The Conservation Fund:

10. Be a cloudspotter. Go “clouding” – no equipment required.

9. Revive old traditions. Collect lightning bugs, leaves and stones.

8. Engage grandparents. Who has better memories of playing outside?

7. Adopt the “sunny day rule.” When the sun’s out, unplug. (Works for rainy days, too.)

6. Go birding – urban or suburban, rural or wilderness. Who are your feathered neighbors?

#1-5 will be posted next week. For a sneek peak visit: http://www.conservationfund.org/children_nature/top_ten_tips

More Green Hour Ideas

2009-02-24T09:50:00.000-06:00

Yes, it’s cold out. Bundle up anyway and give your kids the healthy and joy-filled memory of playing outside with their favorite adult.

Scavenger Hunts
A scavenger hunt is a great way to explore you backyard, neighborhood or any green space. It’s fun for the whole family and a surefire activity for a birthday party or playdate.

The Basic Hunt
Make a list, or picture list for the little ones, of items that can be found in your yard, neighborhood or park. Set the list on the front step or picnic table. See which family member can find all the items on the list first. Ideas for your list: seed, red leaf, flat rock, animal track, feather, blade of green grass, etc.

My Nature Hunt
Challenge each person in your family to find something natural that starts with each letter in their name.

Kid’s List
Turn the tables. This time let one of the kids make a list. Challenge them to see how interesting they can make it.

In Like a Lion
The winds of March are a great reason to go fly a kite! The SD Discovery Center will host a kite making and flying party in Steamboat Park on March 28 from 1 – 2:30pm. The kites will be made from recycled materials. If you’d rather just fly your favorite kite, bring it along. There is no charge for the activity, but free will donations will be accepted.

Looking for Spring

2009-02-16T11:02:00.001-06:00

If you are despairing of spring ever truly arriving, then it's time to get outside and look for terminal buds. Terminal buds are the buds on the tips of twigs that are the promise of new growth once a tree comes out of dormancy. Every autumn before going dormant, a tree produces a terminal bud so that once the days are long enough and the temperatures high enough the tree wakens and begins growing. It is akin to going to bed already dressed for the next day, something which might not be so good for people, but is good for trees who shouldn't waste a moment of growing opportunity.

The twig will grow all spring and summer until the autumn when the leaves drop and a new terminal bud is formed. By then, what was a terminal bud at the beginning of the summer will just be a couple of rings at the base of the new growth. By measuring the distance between the old terminal bud (the bud scale scar) and the new terminal bud, you can tell how much the twig grew last year. A word of advice, you have to look carefully on the twig to make sure the scar goes all the way around the twig. Any buds the the twig puts out during the spring and summer will leave a little mark as well, but that mark won't circle the twig.

Often times, as in the cottonwood twig above, the new growth will have a slightly different color than the old growth. This makes it easy to make the first time identification of the bud scale scar so you can work your way backward, finding where the terminal buds were in previous years. If you are feeling scientifically inclinded, always a good thing to be, you can bring a ruler to find out how much the twig grew every season.

Great Backyard Bird Count

2009-02-09T10:05:00.003-06:00

This weekend, Feb 13-16, is the nationwide Great Backyard Bird Count. There are three easy steps: 1) Go outside and watch birds for 15 minutes (on any of the days), 2) Record your observations, 3) Submit your observations. Don't think you know enough about birds? Even observing and reporting robin behavior will help the scientists at Cornell! Here is the website for more information: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html

Eagles... and Bagels

2009-02-03T10:55:00.002-06:00

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Park will be hosting a guided walk to see eagles at the Oahe Downstream Campground on Saturday, February 7 at 9AM. Bagels will be served. Since the long range forecast predicts decent weather for Saturday, put this on your to-do list. A park license is required for entrance.

Family Snow Science Studies Part II

2009-02-02T12:31:00.002-06:00

After an adventurous day sledding or throwing snowballs, take a few moments to enjoy the life of Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley. The book Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Illustrated by Mary Azarian shares the story about one man who dedicated his life to studying snowflakes. The Jericho Historical Society in Vermont organization created the website: http://snowflakebentley.com to show his photographs. Even if there is not much snow on the ground, the few piles that remain can be explored by your family for different crystal structures or animal tracks!

Family Snow Science Studies

2009-01-26T13:52:00.002-06:00

During winter in South Dakota, there is usually more than one opportunity to explore snow. Beyond the snowballs, snowmen, and snow forts, consider slowing your family down and exploring the small world of snowflakes. This website (http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-science-activities/winter/35037.html) has many activities for families, including "Viewing Snowflakes," "Photographing Snowflakes," and keeping a "Snow Journal."

Green Hour: Florida Style

2009-01-22T10:59:00.005-06:00

I am on vacation right now in Florida. The weather is nice by South Dakota standards, chilly by Florida's. And, I must admit, even though my blood must be the consistency of sludge after this winter, that 55° with 20 mph winds is brisk even in Florida (But I still am amused at wind chill advisories at 45°).

The cool weather has not deterred us from getting out and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. So far, I've seen manatees, crocodiles, alligators, and shore birds galore, mostly at parks, both state (Blue Springs) and national (Everglades). We ate lunch at a small city park in Clewiston en route to the Everglades and the facilities were quite nice. I've also been to a "theme park" (one of the big ones associated with the ears) which was fun but the $75 entrance fee for one day made me realize just what a bargain the other kind of park is.

If you are so inclined, you may see photos of my green hours, Florida style.
Florida 2009

A Nature Journal

2009-01-20T08:38:00.002-06:00

Many find sketching or drawing as a way to connect with an object. The next time you are out an about slip a piece of paper and pencil into your pocket. Then when you find something intriguing, you are ready to go! After multiple sketches, you can combine them in the form of a journal. The Smithsonian put out an excellent reference on having a nature journal. See: http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/journals/smithsonian_siyc_fall06.pdf
Happy drawing!

2009-01-12T14:02:00.004-06:00

Eagles at Sunset

My husband and I took a green hour yesterday. We went - no surprise here - to see eagles. We saw three eagles, two matures and a juvenile, sitting in a cottonwood overlooking the river. Not in the photo but off to the right was a solitary Golden Eagle, also perched above the river. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing eagles.

Geocaching

2009-01-12T10:06:00.002-06:00

Does your family enjoy scavenger hunts? What about technology? "Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups...." From www.geocaching.com
Interested in finding some geocaches in South Dakota? The SD Discovery Center and has a geocaching kit to rent. The kit includes a GPS unit, instructions, locations to caches in the Pierre-area, and extra batteries. Call 605-224-8295 to reserve. A deposit fee is required.

Forgetful? Go Outside!

2009-01-07T12:54:00.004-06:00

A recent study at the University of Michigan shows that interacting with nature for an hour a day improves memory. Subjects who walked outside in natural areas for an hour showed improved attention spans and memory, compared with those who walked in urban areas.

The most interesting bit of the study... you didn't have to enjoy the outside time. Even being outside in the cold improved memory and attention.

Going outside-even in the cold-improves memory, attention

This shows the value of green space and natural areas. Schools, businesses, city planners, take note.

Winter + Snow = Tracking

2009-01-05T10:43:00.002-06:00

The winter snow storms offer a great opportunity to explore for animal tracks. In my own back yard there are rabbit, deer, and dog tracks. Whether you are walking around town or on a nature trail, animal activity is all around. Use the tracks you find to create a story about what the animal was doing, or where it was going. Not sure how to identify the tracks? A simple graphic to print and take with may be found at: http://www.freewebs.com/santaanamountains/Animal%20Tracks%203.JPG or the local library may have tracking books.

Christmas Bird Count

2008-12-29T10:45:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, December 20th about 16 people from the Pierre-area went out looking for birds for the Christmas Bird Count. While it was bitter cold and windy, birds were active in some areas-especially near the feeders. Seventy-one different species were seen in the roughly 90 hours of bird watching logged. For more information about the Christmas Bird Count visit: http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/index.html
For all of South Dakota's Christmas Bird Count results visit: http://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/current_table.html and search by state.

The Best Christmas Present

2008-12-26T09:34:00.004-06:00

As part of my Christmas present all five of us took a drive out towards the Oahe Dam to look for bald eagles. Usually several bald eagles overwinter by the dam, lured by the cottonwoods and open water in the area. Last year, I counted something like 14 that were roosting in the trees in the late afternoon. Our family has seen as many as 18 (or 17 since there is some contention that my mother-in-law counted the same eagle twice).

We went out late afternoon on Christmas Day in anticipation of finding the eagles roosting for the night. They must have changed their spot since they weren't visible from the road and none were to be found at that late hour doing their eagley business of feeding and watching whatever it is eagles watch for.

I thought we were going to go home without a sighting. We were on the last stretch of road by dam. The sun was setting, the light was purple, the sky to the west orange and pink. An eagle flew out across the water its wings stretched wide. It swooped down, skimmed the water and flew off to a nearby cottonwood tree where it hunched over, eating whatever it had plucked from the river, back lit in the gnarled branches against the winter sunset.

I would have liked to have seen 18 eagles. But seeing just one in a beautiful setting creates an experience that is just as wonderful and valuable.

If you would like to give yourself and your family a special gift this year, consider time spent in the outdoors. Go to www.greenhour.org for ideas and inspiration.

Dear Santa With a Twist...

2008-12-16T09:41:00.002-06:00

The Children & Nature Network has an interesting letter to Santa. Written by Peter Zimowsky, the overall request is for less toys that plug into the wall and more toys that inspire a connection to nature. Enjoy the season!
http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/gift_ideas_to_get_kids_outdoors/

Traveling? Looking for nature at your destination?

2008-12-08T11:32:00.004-06:00

Traveling for the holidays? Want to know where to get outside at your destination? My favorite site is: http://naturefind.com/ Just type in a zip code and you will find all the nature nearby.
Just a quick warning, the "Miles" column is not the most precise, but all of the results are linked. So if you click on a result (two times) you'll go directly to the result's site to find out more details--such as hours of operation, cost, physical address, etc. This is highly recommended to ensure the family has a successful outdoor adventure!

When It's Cold Outside

2008-12-04T15:01:00.002-06:00

When it's too cold outside to play for very long (18° with a 4° windchill as I type) what's an outside family to do?

These are some of the ideas I've thought of:

Play I Spy standing at a window.
Mark the compass points in your house. Look at trees and flags to determine wind direction.
Use your wind observations to determine wind speed using the Beaufort scale
Start some seeds
Draw pictures of trees with no leaves. If you aren't artistically inclined, just make a series of interconnected V's.
Feed the birds. Count them.
Make snowballs. Put them in storage bags or containers and put them in your freezer. Mark the date and write a letter to yourself on a hot day in July or August about how cold it is today.

And if you are feeling too housebound, bundle everyone up in hats and heavy blankets to run outside till you count 100.
Don't forget your bubble experiment.

Outside Memories

2008-12-01T13:19:00.006-06:00

Did you get outside over the Thanksgiving holiday? I took a short walk with my husband's cousin while away for the holiday in Iowa. She's about 15 years older than I am. We live in different states and only see each other about once every five years when she goes "home" for Thanksgiving. I don't know her well but she's a character and she's family so I was glad for the opportunity to visit with her a bit about what's going on in her life. I'll remember this for a while.

Anne

2008-12-01T09:20:00.003-06:00

For some local inspiration to take yourself and your family outside, here is a short article about one mom and an informal outdoor club: http://www.twincities.com/ci_10866791. She lives just one state over, in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. She and her family are encouraging others to "get off the couch, and get outside."

2008-11-24T12:09:00.002-06:00

Many times I find it good to remember that people are getting outside all over the planet. Here is a website that highlights a Nature Week as enjoyed by a primary school in England: http://www.hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk/envarea/natureweek/index.htm
There are lots of ideas for families, and even adults. Creating nature art is fun no matter what your age!

If I were mayor ...

2008-11-21T13:35:00.004-06:00

Last Tuesday was an outstanding day, weatherwise. Sunny, temps in the 50's, slight breeze. This is November at its kindest. If I were mayor, I would have declared a non-emergency day and shut down the city at about 3PM. All non-essential personnel, go outside! Parents, pick up your kids and go do something!

There's quite a bit to do in Pierre. We have over 50 miles of bike and walking trails and a goodly number of parks (state and local). We have not one but THREE disc golf courses and a skate boarding park. We have horseshoes, playground equipment, an arboretum, and an archery range. Go check out the Pete the Pheasant Back pack from Rawlins Library plus a fine selection of field guides, how to guides and good stories about the outdoors.

Today is not quite so nice; flurries, gray skies, and just plain raw. Other than a short walk, I'm limiting my enjoyment of the outdoors to watching my birdfeeder.

Take a kid!

2008-11-17T11:14:00.002-06:00

We got our hour plus yesterday. My dad & I went pheasant hunting & took my 5-year old along. He was a trooper and put a lot of steps in. He had such fun finding pheasant feathers and deer tracks along with "skinning" the fluff off the cattails.

2008-11-17T10:57:00.002-06:00

As the middle of autumn is upon us, there are fantastic places to go and hear the leaves crunch under your feet. If you are at a loss for outside low-budget activities, here is a great website: http://www.sharingnature.com/ The newsletter is only 4 pages and is filled with outside activities for families with children as young as three. My personal favorite, which I have even done with high school students, is "Meet A Tree.” It is a great way to stretch and see how well your sense of touch and memory really are.

Wildlife Watching

2008-11-14T11:53:00.005-06:00

Ok South Dakotans. We need to get our wildlife watching on. The National Wildlife Federation sponsors a citizen science program of wildlife watching and South Dakota has NO observations entered. Let's get out there and watch some wildlife! (And then record it as part of a citizen science wildlife monitoring project)

To learn more about Wildlife Watch go to: http://www.nwf.org/wildlifewatch/

And speaking of citizen science projects, Project FeederWatch has started. It's not too late to participate in this bird monitoring project. For more information on how to join, go to: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/Overview/whatispfw.htm

2008-11-12T09:44:00.008-06:00

Yesterday, I watched some kids down the hill build a snow man. I decided that I needed some outside time too so I rode my bike around La Framboise Island. It's been maybe 35 years since I rode my bike in the winter (although maybe we put them away completely? I can't remember). And I don't think I've ever ridden my bike on trails in the winter.

I wasn't paying attention on my bike ride and ended up on the River Trail which was quite muddy. And hilly.

I don't think I will ride mud trails anymore. It's dry or frozen from now on.

2008-11-10T08:59:00.004-06:00

Greetings! Richard Louv's book Last Child In The Woods, is what many credit to beginning this whole movement and bringing awareness of nature-deficit disorder to the forefront. (http://richardlouv.com/) Not only does this book outline the obstacles, it also highlights areas of hope and sheds light on what we all can do as citizens.

Inclement Green Hour

2008-11-07T09:30:00.004-06:00

In my original post, I made the bold statement about getting outside everyday that your gear allows. For most of us in Central South Dakota, yesterday was a day which did not lend itself to a Green Hour. First it was windy, cold and wet. Then it started to blizzard.

Despite that, I did make it outside yesterday, although it wasn't for an hour. I took a short walk around 10AM. There was a spitting rain and wind of course - lots of wind - but I bundled up and trundled around. I was invigorated after my walk and some of the cobwebs were wiped from my brain.

I recognize that it's one thing to take yourself outside and quite another to take children. I remember the days of booting little feet and gloving little hands. It's a lot of work. All I can say is do what you can do.

If you need incentive to get everyone kitted out, may I suggest a Bubble Investigation? Buy a bottle of bubbles that are to be used only for your outside experiments. On a regular basis, in different kinds of weather, go outside and blow bubbles from the exact same spot. What happens to bubbles in the snow? In the rain? In the wind? Is it ever too windy for bubbles? Too cold? Too hot? If so at what point do the bubbles start forming? I'd be interested in hearing your results.

Green Hour Photos Wanted

2008-11-06T08:15:00.005-06:00

We are looking for photos to add to the slideshow that currently plays on our Green Hour Blog. Snap a digital picture during your green hour and email me (Anne). Don't be shy, even Ansel Adams had to start somewhere.

Green Hours with the SD Discovery Center

2008-11-05T15:28:00.001-06:00

Hello all!

The SD Discovery Center wants help you get kids and families outside. Watch for information and a schedule of our monthly "family green hours" that we will host starting in January.

But don't wait for us to get started - get outside and have some fun!

Kristie Maher, Executive Director, SD Discovery Center

Welcome to the Green Hour

2008-11-05T15:09:00.003-06:00

The Green Hour is an initiative of the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with other organizations to get kids and families outdoors in unstructured, flexible free time. The purpose of the Green Hour is not to add one more thing to an already overloaded family schedule but rather to remind us as adults that we - parents, children, teens, twentysomethings, "grownups" and elders- need time outside.

The Green Hour in Central South Dakota blog is a collective enterprise of people in this area who like to go outside. If you want to contribute, please email me and I will add you to the Green Hour Bloggers. You don't have to be a resident of Central South Dakota but a connection to this beautiful place helps.

Below is the official statement about what Green Hour is and how it works. I have my own thoughts about Green Hour which should be taken as just that. My thoughts.

My thoughts
1. Green Hour doesn't have to be a solid hour. Like shooting for a total of 10,000 steps throughout the day, so too can the green hour can be achieved in smaller time segments. A walk with the dog in the morning, stretching your legs on your break, an evening constitutional, it all counts.

2. Unstructured time doesn't mean no planned activity. You can take a bike ride or a hike or look for birds. Unstructured, the way I see it, means there is no drill or goal that must be accomplished by the time you go inside. You can wander, sit, draw, look ... or not. Personally, I consider outdoor chores such as hanging clothes on the line, raking leaves and riding my bike to work as unstructured. They are mindless enough that I don't feel structured or goal oriented even though I am somewhat. Perhaps the rule of thumb about what is unstructured is if you can stop what you are doing for a bit to look more closely at something that captures your attention that activity is unstructured.

3. The Green Hour is for everyone. At every time of year. Granted, the Green Hour might be reduced to the Green 5 minutes on an especially inclement day but I believe you should be outside at least a little bit every day. The key to be able to doing this is gear. If you don't have proper gear, though, don't push it. The Green Hour is not about falling prey to frostbite, sunstroke or hypothermia.

The Official Overview of Green Hour
About Green Hour - NWF Green Hour

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