Nature Passport

One of the first things we learned when Safer at Home kicked in was that the outdoors was one of the few places we could still go. Outside is still our friend, and the Nature Net environmental learning network was geared up and ready to help parents and kids wanting to explore their surroundings in a more purposeful way. The Nature Passport has been around for years, but this year families can print out their own copy or a mini version to help guide their adventures to nearby natural areas. (Pre-printed Nature Passport booklets will also be available at all currently open Nature Net sites.) This year's theme is "Earth Day, Every Day." The Passport functions as a workbook/journal for junior naturalists. The mini-passports ask young naturalists to text a keyword to get a special mission — 19 learning activities masquerading as a scavenger hunt. The only thing that's missing is the secret decoder ring and whistle.

press release: https://www.naturenet.org/nature-passport/

For over 20 years, Nature Net has encouraged children and families to get outdoors using an annual Nature Passport scavenger hunt and journal. Passports can usually be found at all Nature Net sites, but with the “Safer at Home” order shuttering some sites, this year’s Passport might look a little different. For the first year ever, Nature Net is providing a free, mini print-at-home Nature Passport at naturenet.org, in addition to the usual journal booklet, to help families participate in Nature Passport activities.

Nature Passport is an outdoor self-guided family program at various environmental education sites throughout south central Wisconsin.The theme of this year’s Passport is “Earth Day, Every Day” in celebration of 50 years of Earth Day. Nature Net sites have created missions to help children develop an appreciation for the Earth around them. Nature Passport booklets will be available at all currently open Nature Net sites. The booklet, the Mini Passport, and updates on which sites are open are all available online at naturenet.org.

The Mini Passport is a simple one page sheet that folds into a tiny booklet. With a parent’s help, children can text each site’s codeword to discover a unique nature mission. Once the mission is complete, parents can initial the Passport and watch as their child discovers 19 new ways to interact with the world around them. Although some missions are specific to a site, most can be completed in your backyard, local park, or any area outside.

As COVID-19 continues to shift schools and work online, it’s more important than ever for everyone to take a break from technology and get outdoors. Finding creative, fun, and educational ways for children to spend time outside can be challenging, and Nature Net is here to help. Nature Passport is just the beginning. You can find other resources for connecting with nature at naturenet.org.