Nature Activities (At-Home Resources)

Free Activities - By Nature Topic 

Amphibians

• Watch a video: "Let's Explore Tadpole Pond," then take a field trip to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to see the creatures for yourself. Best time to go is March through June.
• This handout describes the 5 most common species of frogs and amphibians found in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
  Download PDF fileAmphibians of Oaks Bottom(16.7 Mb)

Bees

• Introduce your child to bees - ideas, resources and information for parents
• My Field Guide to Bees - 29 pages of information and activities + blank journal pages. Order a kit to be delivered to your home or download one on your own. (Click here for details about ordering a "Bee Nature Kit".) 
  Download PDF fileMy Field Guide to Bees - Downloadable PDF(14.67 Mb)
• Top 14 Bees of Portland - pocket sized guide to common bees 
  Download PDF fileBee Pocket ID Guide - Downloadable PDF(1.16 Mb)

Birds

• Check out this kid-friendly guide to the twelve most common birds in Portland. Learn how to protect them!
  Download PDF fileDownloadable Birds of Portland ID Pocket Guide(1.19 Mb)

Butterflies and Moths

• Check out this kid-friendly guide to the fifteen most common butterflies and moths in Portland. Learn how to protect them!
  Download PDF fileDownloadable Butterflies of Portland ID Pocket Guide(1.65 Mb)
  Download PDF fileDownloadable Lepidopterans of Portland(2.41 Mb)

Plants

• Try this scavenger hunt and activity page to discover some special little plants that grow in the grass. 
  Download PDF fileEE Flower Scavenger Hunt(1.69 Mb)

Teens 

• Take a walk in your neighborhood and connect to nearby nature. 
• Download PDF file10 Ways for Teens to Connect with Nature(2.14 Mb)

Trees

• Type in your address here and learn about the trees you see on your street everyday. Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry has mapped every street tree in Portland!
• Take a tree walk at a school in your neighborhood. School children have planted arboretums (tree museums) all over the city!
• Explore the cones and seeds of a Douglas Fir Tree. 
  Download PDF fileDouglas Fir Tree Exploration(1.03 Mb)

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Parenting Resources

If you are new to being a parent AND teacher, you may be feeling a lot of pressure. Here is a helpful resource that is both inspiring and low-pressure.

Prescribing Nature for Health   |   Dr. Nooshin Razani   |   TEDxNashville

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Stay and Play video series

Nature-based videos from Portland Parks & Recreation's Stay and Play video series
These short nature videos offer songs, stories, tips, and outdoor explorations in nearby yards, parks, or along city streets. Click on each one to view, or visit the entire Portland Parks & Recreation’s Stay and Play video series on YouTube offering a variety of ways you can stay and play!

• Let's Make Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars
• Tips for Exploring with Children in Nature
• Let's Explore Insects
• Let's Explore Tadpole Pond
• Let's Learn about Chorus Frogs
• Let's Explore Spittlebugs
• Let's Explore Snails
• Let's Make Nature Rubbings
• Teacher Balsam sings The Garden Song
• Teacher Balsam sings Morningtown Ride

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Questions

Contact the Environmental Education team:

• Enviroed@portlandoregon.gov
• Text: 503-823-6378 or 503-823-1149

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