Schools out and it’s time to be outside! Summer is wonderful here in Central Oregon and you might be looking for activities for your kids to be outside and learn about trees and nature.

We always think learning about trees is cool. Here is a quick run-down of some things that might interest you and your tree-hugging little ones.

The High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum is chock full of awesome local ecology and history. Visit their Changing Forest Exhibit to learn about the ecology, fire and logging in our dry environment. The Wind, Earth and Fire Interpretive Trail features examples of trees struck by lightning, a historic hand-cut fire line, and the effect of fire on wildlife habitats. Tired of trees? They have plenty of cute native animals such as river otters and porcupines too. www.highdesertmuseum.org

Discover Nature Days with Bend Parks and Recreation and Central Oregon Children’s Forest
Find a slew of activities for nature loving kids such as “Watery Wonders”, “Birds of Prey” and more. The Central Oregon Children’s Forest is a network of programs and places that get kids outside and in nature. www.bendparksandrec.org and www.childrensforestco.org

Sunriver Nature Center
Take a trip south to the Sunriver Nature Center. In addition to their indoor and outdoor exhibits, they have a sweet botanical garden, a Junior Naturalist Program, as well as their Ponderosa Project – a program that works with local students to start and care for ponderosa seedlings for plantings throughout the year.
www.sunrivernaturecenter.org

And remember, an afternoon in the backyard or a trip to the park can be a great opportunity to do some fun tree activities with your kids. Go ahead, just hug a tree while you are there. Or check out some great websites for tree activities:

American Forest Foundation
https://www.forestfoundation.org/family-activities-in-nature

Fantastic Fun and Learning has a compilation of links to various tree activities.
http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/tree-activities-for-kids.html

PBS offers a short video and activity ideas on their Adventures In Learning website
http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2013/10/lets-learn-trees-video/

When all else fails, hop in the hammock and share a classic tree book. The Lorax, by Dr. Suess is a favorite!

Here at Arbor 1 Tree Service, we advocate for healthy urban forests and help property owners and managers with quality tree care. Contact us at any time for help with your trees. 541-480-4223

–Mike D. and the Arbor 1 Crew