By Henry Owen Under my desk at the Nature Discovery Center, I keep a tub full of thousands of red wiggler earthworms. The worms are fun, and they are also hard at work eating our food scraps like coffee grounds and banana peels. Worm Composting (Vermicomposting) is easy, good for the Earth, good for your plants — and fun. Worm composting allows you to responsibly dispose … [Read more...] about Attention: Worms at work — composting with a little help from your friends
Wired to Nature
Beyond scavenging, squeaks, myths: Getting to know our nocturnal neighbors
By Eric Duran There are a number of animals creeping and crawling around our backyards in West University and Bellaire, and here in Russ Pitman Park, which many of us rarely encounter — creatures of the night. Some of the nocturnal animals living near us may surprise you. Some of them commonly visit our bird feeders, trashcans, pet food bowls and back porches, so you may … [Read more...] about Beyond scavenging, squeaks, myths: Getting to know our nocturnal neighbors
Making sure your family schedule includes time for nature
By Maura Denman Fall calendars have been updated with your child’s school year commitments — whether they be music lessons, sports practices, art or robotics programs. Our children are busier than ever. As you continue to adjust and pencil it all in, consider scheduling time for nature. Exposure to the natural world plays a critical role in child development and acts as … [Read more...] about Making sure your family schedule includes time for nature
Ssssssecret to living peacefully with venomous snakes: Give them their space
By Eric Duran Keep calm — there's really nothing to be afraid of. Venomous snakes in the Houston area are not as dangerous as people think they are. Now, I'm not saying you should go pick up a venomous snake and kiss it on the lips, but they're really not that aggressive. Venomous snakes get a bad rap. Snakebite deaths in the U.S. are rare, and if you give them their … [Read more...] about Ssssssecret to living peacefully with venomous snakes: Give them their space
Nature play for youngsters = a win for our planet
By Henry Owen Research proves that connecting with nature makes people healthier, happier and smarter. A great way — maybe the best way — for kids to connect with nature is through self-directed, free play in nature. Nature provides the perfect setting and material for unstructured play. Nature is naturally full of loose parts: rocks, sticks, branches, logs, and leaves … [Read more...] about Nature play for youngsters = a win for our planet