We understand how important it is to stay connected to each other and the outdoors, so we’ve developed some resources to help you find easy ways to experience nature while following the appropriate guidelines to protect personal and environmental health. Here are some lessons and activities to help you connect to nature from your own back yard or even from inside your own home.

Connecting to Nature Video Archive

Plants and Stress, April 2, 2020

How plants handle environmental stress and what we can learn from them.

Intro to Gardening With Native Plants, April 9, 2020

How you can use plants native to Michigan to promote biodiversity and support birds, bees and butterflies in your own backyard.

Unwind Outside, April 16, 2020

How to practice mindfulness through observation, nature journaling and a walk in the woods.

Talking Ticks, April 23, 2020

Everything you need to know about the little buggers from their life-cycles to their mannerisms and what you can do to stay safe. 

Intro to Invasive Species, April 30, 2020

Highlights the highest priority species in our Northern Michigan forests, how they impact the environment and how to prevent their spread. 

Understanding Stormwater, May 7, 2020

What it is, how it impacts water quality and what you can do to manage it.  

Bringing Birds to Your Back Yard, May 14, 2020

Natural ways to attract birds without bribing them with birdseed.

Reading the River, May 21, 2020

What can banks, bends, riffles and runs tell us about fish?

Protecting Wild Places, May 28 2020

A look at the unique and diverse ecosystems of Northeast Michigan and why their conservation is critical.

Funding for the Huron Pines Education Program is provided by the US Forest Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities through the Healthy Watersheds Consortium program, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Consumers Energy Foundation and the support of individual donors.

Activity Cards

Kids Downloadable Fun

Click the image to download a printable template.

Explore the Outdoors

Take a walk around your yard, neighborhood or closest natural space. If you are in Alcona or Presque Isle counties, our Huron Pines nature preserves are still accessible to the public.

Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve
Emily Min Hunt Nature Preserve

Please follow Center for Disease Control guidelines to stay healthy and safe.