We are currently at the end of our “Green Giants” session – the last one of 2009, and are having fun learning about trees – especially in this season as the trees are slowing starting to change color at Spring Lake. It’s a beautiful time of year at the lake.

Making autumn leaf prints!

While the weather is turning colder and rain is imminent, it is nevertheless still a good time to get outdoors with your children. The fall colors can be spectacular and my children have had some of the most fun splashing through puddles, finding earthworms after a rain, and watching flocks of Canada Geese migrate south this time of year. There are so many fun activities you can do with colorful autumn leaves (see the nature activity on the next page for one idea).

Another special event taking place right now in nature is the return of thousands of Monarch butterflies to the Monterey Bay area where they will spend the winter. It is a bit far but if you’re in the area, it is well worth checking out one of the Monarch’s resting spots, like the Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. We just visited at the end of October and it was spectacular to see hundreds of Monarch butterflies fluttering about and hanging from the trees. Public tours are offered on weekends in November at 11:00am and 2:00pm and no reservations are necessary.

Trying to spot Monarch Butterflies

Thanks, and hope to see you outdoors!

Stephanie Derammelaere

Happy Autumn! We are currently in the middle of “Our Feathered Friends” class and are having a lot of fun learning about and looking for birds! It’s a great time of year to learn about birds as we start seeing some birds migrate south.

Our last class of 2009 will be “Green Giants” at Spring Lake, starting 10/21 and running through 11/11. This class is full but if you are interested in getting on the waiting list (I do get cancellations sometimes), please contact me at 707-333-1331 or stephanie@naturetots.com. This month I am also already thinking about what classes I will schedule next Spring, so if you have any requests for certain days of the week, topics, or locations, please contact me!

Last but definitely not least, I am very excited to introduce a new person to Nature Tots who is currently volunteering and may possibly teach some classes herself in the Spring! Her name is Samantha Jagoda, and she is a recent graduate from Sonoma State University, with a major in Environmental Studies, Outdoor Leadership, and a minor in Geology. Among other things, Samantha is certified in wilderness first aide and as a first responder, she recently was involved in the Earth Explore organization in Wyoming, worked for the Outdoor Resource Center in Rohnert Park, worked with children as a Teacher’s Aide for Cross and Crown Lutheran School in Rohnert Park, and acted as a camp counselor, leading young students on hikes in the outdoors at Westminster Woods in Occidental. Welcome Samantha!

Thanks, and hope to see you outdoors!

Stephanie Derammelaere

We are currently in the middle of our “Web of Life” class and are having a lot of fun learning about the food chain, including our part in it!

Making a food chain project

Showing off our walking sticks - masters of camouflage!

Just a reminder that we have one of our first free classes coming up, thanks to a donation from Novato-based Circle Bank. The session, called “Our Feathered Friends” will be held Thursdays at Ladybug Park in Rohnert Park from 10:00 to 11:00, starting 9/24 through 10/15. Class size is limited, and is on a first come first served basis (with pre-registration) so if you’re interested in signing up, please contact me at 707-333-1331. I have two spots left.

Thanks, and hope to see you outdoors!

Stephanie Derammelaere