We are in the last month of Spring. May graces its tender call for us to join the awakening of Summer in the natural world. In my previous blog, I wrote about salmon and fishing. With our senses coming alive during May, I’d like to bring attention to another Canadian outdoor recreational opportunity to enjoy with your family and little ones – exploring our beautiful parks and wildlife. With the promise of sunshine and rain, this transitional month brings opportunities for our personal and children’s growth in the domains of sensory, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
Spring Bird Watching and Listening (Sensory development):
World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated in May as songbirds and shorebirds return to Canada by migrating north. Birds are more active and easier to find during May, hence it is the best time to birdwatch. Spring birdwatching and bird-call listening allow us to hone in on the sensory skills of sight and hearing to perceive and interpret information. The observation skills and auditory awareness improve respectively. Guided bird hikes offered by park ambassadors can help you explore and learn bird ID through different aspects such as patterns, tunes, wingbeats, habitat, and behaviors.
Spring Ephemeral Exploration (Cognitive development):
The first blooming wildflowers we see in Spring are called Spring ephemerals, and we can observe great varieties at our parks. Native ephemerals such as Trout Lilies, Virginia Bluebells, and White Trilliums are beautiful indicators of Spring. Plant ID is a rich and engaging learning experience that challenges multiple cognitive processes. The classification and categorization of characteristics involves mentally organizing information, developing the language and vocabulary for specific terms, and problem-solving skills to distinguish similar flowers. Nature scavenger hunts and park programs are a fun way to sharpen the higher-order mental process. During mid-to-late May along Stubb’s Falls Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, a blanket of White Trilliums covered the forest floor – a sight to behold.
Hiking Adventures (Physical development):
Canadian parks are world-famous for their expansive forests, clean water, and stunning lookout points. Hiking is almost a national hobby in Canada as many find it rewarding to embark on exhilarating hikes through lush trails while building endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Climbing trees, playing tag, or riding bikes further promote physical development and outdoor fun.
Campfire Bonding (Social-emotional development):
If you are bringing your family, friends, and little ones camping, there must be a crackling campfire to complete the experience. Profound social and emotional connections are fostered starting from the first collective struggle to light the fire, to everyone gathering around the campfire’s warmth and dance. Whether you enjoy a secluded and intimate experience of introspection, or building camaraderie among large groups with heartfelt songs and stories, the memories of the social-emotional experiences created around the campfire will carry on in everyone’s hearts.
Ontario’s Provincial Parks to Explore
Ontario’s provincial parks stand as a testament to the majesty of the natural world, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and discovery. May is personally my favorite time to go camping as it is before the peak season and less buggy. Be sure to bring many layers as nighttime would still be a bit chilly. The following are amazing provincial parks to visit, have interesting workshops or unique sights during May:
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Rondeau Provincial Park
- Arrowhead Provincial Park
- Frontenac Provincial Park
- Killarney Provincial Park
So, pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and set out to discover the natural wonders of Ontario’s provincial parks this May!
GREEN – education for the Future of the Children!
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