Visiting Eastman Nature Center, So Much to See!

I recently took my mom and nana back to Eastman Nature Center. We have been there before, of course. I went there on Easter one time, and it was an Eggstravaganza day. Remember? I was just a little kid then. 

This time we visited in the summer. We started with a walk. I had a planter dish to collect things for a class I was taking. We were collecting things that were no longer living and were OK to pick. They have rules about that kind of thing at the Three River Park District parks, you know. I didn’t pick a leaf or a flower. I watched, and mom and nana didn’t either. You never know what grownups might do! I kept my eye on them.

visiting-Eastman-nature-center-June-2017 (4)

Did you know they have bug hotels at Eastman? The bugs just move in for free and live there. We saw this just before the walking path that went through the woods and over to where the Trumpeter Swans and their babies were swimming. Not bad for a bug hotel. It was buzzing with excitement.

visiting-Eastman-nature-center-June-2017 (5)

Another interesting thing there was the beehive. I could find the queen bee when I used a magnifying lens. There she was surrounded by other bees. This was inside the nature center building and the bees were not flying around loose. They could fly outside through a pipe and return to make pollen. We did notice frogs hanging on things like garbage cans outside, and they were able to move around after they rested in the sun.

visiting-Eastman-nature-center-June-2017 (3)

Inside there are blocks, puzzles, and nature items to touch and see.

visiting-Eastman-nature-center-June-2017 (2)

The reptiles were still there! I check for them during each visit. There are things to see and do inside and outside. The classes and events are so fun.

fairy-house-building-class-at-Eastman-Nature-Center-2017 (3)

The swans and their babies were the best part of the day!

Trumpeter-Swans-Eastman-June-2017

After class, I played at nana’s while mom and nana rested. After all, I have to give them some quiet time.

playing-at-Nanas-after-the-nature-center

I hope you get to visit the Three Rivers Parks or other nature areas where you live!

Miss Owl

Here is a video of the trumpeter swans!

 
World Prematurity Day: An Interview About HELLP Syndrome
 

Do you know about HELLP Syndrome?

No, that is not a misspelling. HELLP is thought to be a variant of pre-eclampsia, although it may be entirely different. As teachers, we get students with a varied set of background experiences and health conditions. We need to be aware of the issues some families have and may have experienced. I have experienced this syndrome personally as I had HELLP Syndrome and a birthing emergency.

 
 
Free Printable Where is Reunion Island
 

Free Printable Where is Reunion Island

Where is Reunion Island? Do you know? Many children can probably easily find Madagascar on a globe or world map. This mini-lesson will help extend their knowledge to another “nearby” island, Reunion Island, or La Réunion. With a fabulous landscape, volcanoes, adventure sports, and cultural activities, it is also very interesting.

 
 
Home Decor by Mom Morgan
 

New Home Furniture Decisions and Décor by Morgan

Moving at holiday time is quite a challenge to get the house and family organized. Almost our first meal was Thanksgiving. See how I handled it all.

 
 
Recipe Cari boucane from Reunion Island
 

Recipe Cari boucane from Reunion Island

I recently had the pleasure of cooking a traditional meal from the French Reunion Island for some people who have never visited the island. Saffron, thyme, tomato, potato, white rice, garlic, onion, and bacon prepared in the traditional way made a lovely meal and cultural experience for them. It was delicious! I used the recipe I remember from living there.

 
 
Color Blast Kitchen Art and Science
 

Color Blast Kitchen Art and Science

Mixing colors in the kitchen with a few common ingredients provides an engaging activity for children. This is one they are sure to want to do over and over as it will be different each time. This activity is so fun and so easy!

 
 
Painting Flowers to Make Coasters Craft Idea
 

Painting Flowers to Make Coasters Craft Idea

Watercolor painting is fun for children and with a little help they can create flowers for a vase and flower coasters for a special tea party, lunch, or dinner.

 
 
Pattern Block Play Helps Children Learn Fractions
 

Playing with Pattern Blocks Helps form the Foundation for Fractions

Here I am putting pieces in a puzzle my own way. The total will still be the same, but I am an original. I’m going to finish this up with two more triangles as I like triangles! That will be six triangles, one diamond, one trapezoid, and a hexagon. So this will be 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/3 + 1/2 + 1 = 2 & 5/6 again.

 
 
Easy DIY Activities Ages 1-2 and Five Little Pumpkins
 

Easy DIY Activities Ages 1-2 and Five Little Pumpkins

These activities used felt, puffballs, recycled lids and containers in the colors of your choice, and an egg carton bottom.

 
 
Fall at the Minnesota Zoo and Toddler Activities
 

Visit to the Farm at the Minnesota Zoo

A visit to the Farm area at the Minnesota Zoo during October. Fall toddler activities, also.

 
 
Easter at Eastman Nature Center Maple Grove, MN
 

Easter at Eastman Nature Center in Minnesota

Let us tell you about Easter at Eastman Nature Center in Minnesota! It was the best. We hunted for eggs in the woods, dyed Easter eggs with natural dyes, visited with the Easter bunny, and more. What a nice time we had. It is an EGGstravaganza with fun for all ages!

 
 
 Eastman Nature Center Maple Grove, MN
 

Visiting Eastman Nature Center, So Much to See!

This time we visited Eastman Nature Center in the summer. We started with a walk. I had a planter dish to collect things for a class I was taking. We were collecting things that were no longer living and were OK to pick. We made a fairy house and I played at the center, too.