Posted by: Valerie Garnjost
Educational Consultant
Thinking about spending time outside enjoying, exploring and appreciating nature? Consider spending time at one of the local parks right here in Matthews, as well as our national parks! We are surrounded by outdoor places to hike, grill out, enjoy a picnic, and numerous outdoor playgrounds to explore. Bring items with you that will encourage and enhance any outdoor adventure.
When going for a hike, think about bringing a compass and a field experiment kit. Why not enjoy a long walk following animal tracks, and using a compass to find your way back again. Do you like seeing nature and animals in their natural
habitats up close? How about magnifying any bug you see, or getting a much closer look at what squirrels really do all day? What great items to enhance even the smallest of creatures and learn about animals in their natural habitats.
For those who enjoy reading outside and using their imagination, why not consider bringing books to the park? Do you know how a leaf can become a boat? 
Do you know if walls can talk, and should we listen if they do? Can you really 
leave footprints on the moon? Why not find all of these answers and so much more while enjoying being outside.
Utilizing the parks in our area as well as parks all around the country encourage everyone to explore and appreciate the nature that is all around us.
