woods

Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder: Idea Seven

A Full Moon Nature Walk  

One of the most striking children’s book ever written is Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. The book was written in 1987 and the illustrations were done by John Schoenherr who won the Caldecott Medal for best illustrations in a children’s book.

Owl Moon chronicles the story of a young girl who has reached the age to be included in a family rite of passage. She is old enough to take a walk with her father by the light of a full winter moon to search for the elusive Great Horned Owl. One must not talk or make noise when owling. One must not complain of the cold or the difficulty of walking through deep snow. It is a near-holy experience to go owling at full moon in the winter. The imagery in that book has stayed with me for decades. Every footstep in the snow, every ear strained to hear the whoo, whoo create the magic of that experience.

Why not take your kids on your own full moon nature walk? Do a little research beforehand to help build anticipation for the creatures of the night who might present themselves to you. Will there be bats? What kind and what do they eat? Will any birds still be about? Will you hear the call of an owl? If so, what kind of owls live in your area? What sounds do they make? What else do you notice about the nighttime nature walk? Are there different sounds at night than those you hear in the light of day?

You can set the stage for your children to delight in nature. You can give them the experiences that will stay in their thoughts and imaginations for years to come. All it takes is the desire on your part to introduce them to the out of doors and then a gentle nudge out the door. They’ll do the rest.