DISCOVERING NATURE PATCH PROGRAM

Purchase this patch if you have explored nature on a hike, camping, backyard, park, or any other function involving nature.
You can also complete this patch program through the Internet, books or our "Discovering Nature Kit"

Discovering- To learn more about a subject or group that interests you. To find out information that was not previously known.

All levels need to only complete 3 requirements

1. With your family or group plan an outing in nature. This can be an outdoor hike, biking, cookout, picnic, park program, OR a creation of your own.

2. Prepare a snack or food fit for outdoor enjoyment. Make sure you make a list of all the items needed for preparation and equipment needed for storing or cooking items. Some examples of foods are trail mix, granola mix, dried fruit and nuts, smores, roasted hot dogs, OR nibblers such as pretzels, rice cakes, and crackers.

3. Think about where you live and your environment. What type of plants or flowers grows in your area? What color are they and what shape leaf do they have? For example if you live in the desert you will have different items to observe than someone that lives near the wilderness. Choose 3 items to observe or research through books or the Internet. For extra, find out the parts of the flower, plant a flower, landscape a garden, or design your own flower.

4. Most places on earth have deciduous trees, or broadleaf trees. That means during the changing seasons the leaves on these trees change colors and eventually fall off. Other areas may only have needleleaf trees or palm trees. Choose 3 leaves or trees to observe in nature or research through books or the internet. For extra, create leaf rubbings, look for fallen leaves that have insect bites, learn more about the seasonal changes of trees, or the rings of a tree.

5. Birds are animals that have wings, feathers and a beak. Some can fly while others cannot. There are a variety of birds in nature from owls to cardinals. Observe 3 birds in nature or research them through books or the internet. For extra, create a birdhouse, identify your state bird, or look for habitats of birds. Never disturb the nest or eggs.

6. Create an art project that depicts nature. Some examples are leaf rubbings, decorating a clay pot, nature box, gluing rocks, dried flowers, and twigs on a wooden box, stationary, OR drawing a picture of nature, animals or insects.

7. Fish are animals that live in the water. The fish found in nature use their fins to swim and breathe with gills. Learn more about a fish that is indigenous to your area, such as the color and shape.

8. Amphibians are animals that spend some of their life in the water and other half on the land. Some examples are frogs, toads, salamanders, or newts. Learn the life cycle of the frog, the difference between a toad and a frog OR two different species of an amphibians.

9. Insects are called arthropods. They have segmented bodies and hatch from eggs. These animals range from beautiful flying insects to small crawling creatures. Choose 3 to observe in nature, research through books or internet OR look for signs of insects on leaves OR learn more about the life cycle of a butterfly. Examples of insects are a butterfly, beetle, ant, bee, dragonfly, grasshopper, firefly, ladybug, moth, and walking stick.

10. How do animals defend or protect themselves? Many animals camouflage in their environment. This means their color or pattern blends into habitat to protect them from their enemies. Some spray a smell; have a protective shell, or quills that protect them. Name one animal and their special tactic they use to survive.

11. There are a variety of mammals to view in nature. They usually have fur or a protect coat and their habitats range from trees to caves. Never disturb an animal's habitat or approach an animal. Look for signs for animals in nature and if you listen you can hear the scurry of a rabbit or leap of a deer.

12. Turtles and tortoises are reptiles found all across the earth. Learn more about turtles or another reptile, such as where they live and what color they are.

13. Participate in a community service project involving nature. Some suggestions are river clean up, volunteer as a Junior Ranger, adopt a highway, landscaping, create a birdhouse, plant a tree or flowers, recycle, OR help correct an erosion area.