Charl Roux photographed this tree frog in South Africa and entered it in the Amateur division of last year's National Wildlife Photo Contest.

Wednesday, June 15^th is Nature Photography Day – a day to explore nature through a camera lens and celebrate photos that inspire us to conserve wildlife and wild places.

I have always loved nature photos, and only recently got into learning how to photograph the great outdoors, myself. I’m still trying to get past the need to consult my camera manual each time, but you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy taking pictures, and nature offers a generous variety of subject matter.

Second only to the challenge and fun of snapping the photos, my favorite thing about nature photography is sharing pictures. You may find that other photographers have pictures of unique wildlife and places that you’ve never seen before or vice versa! Many of the 41^st annual National Wildlife Photo Contest entrants have opted to make their entries publicly shareable, and there are already so many amazing images to browse.

So, on June 15^th I’m taking a little extra time to peruse the scenery and wildlife on the trail behind National Wildlife Federation’s headquarters – probably while muttering “smaller f-stop equals more light” over and over – and I’ll share my results!

CELEBRATE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY DAY WITH US!

Lake Matheson in New Zealand, taken by Michael Adler

If you are having trouble seeing items on our wall or uploading photos, you can share your photos with our National Wildlife Magazine Flickr group.

Please feel free to share your photos with us year round, but if you share this week in honor of Nature Photography Day, please tag your photos “NaturePhotoDay-NWM11“.

Thanks for your patience!

• Change your profile picture to one of your own nature photos and spread the word to your friends.
  • Sample status message: I changed my profile pic for Nature Photography Day! Raise awareness for wildlife conservation by changing your profile picture to one of your own nature photos and share the photo on www.facebook.com/photozone

• Share your nature photo on National Wildlife’s PhotoZone Facebook page. It could be a photo you take this Nature Photography Day or one you’ve taken in the past.

Check out our National Wildlife Photo Contest >>

• Browse, share and vote for your favorite images.
• Enter your own photos by July 14th for a chance to win!

Looking for some photography tips or ideas before heading outside with your camera? Visit PhotoZone’s Photography Tips Center for easy-to-follow advice from professional photographers.

With many people on the road traveling to visit family or friends over the holidays, here are a few tips you can follow to make sure you share the road with wildlife.

Tips for Sharing the Road With Wildlife

1) Think about Wildlife While Driving: This may seem like a silly suggestion, but the more you mentally prepare for your reaction to seeing an animal in the road, the more likely you will respond quickly enough to avoid it!

2) Go the Speed Limit: I know I know, it's hard to do sometimes–but really going the speed limit will allow you more time to react to wildlife such as deer darting across the road. While this may be the more obvious tip, it is probably the best thing you can do! The more reaction time the better.

3) Turn on Your Brights When No Cars are Coming: At night, turning on your brights will help spot deer and other animals crossing the road because their eyes will reflect the light.

4) Pay Attention to Signs: Most wildlife warning signs are there because there have been previous incidents–so paying special attention when you see the signs is an obvious but easy way to avoid a collision. Also keep in mind that just because you are on a busy road does not mean wildlife are unable to surprise you there.

5) Know When Animals Are Active: This is another important one, many animals that often get hit are nocturnal and so are either active very early in the morning or in the evening. Animals like deer are also active at these times but are mostly looking for a place to bed down for the night.

More Links:

• When Wildlife Hits the Road

• NWF's Critical Paths for Wildlife Project

• Touching Story about Wildlife Corridors

• Neat
  Story about Wildlife Surveillance

A BIG thank you goes to those of you who have participated in Subaru's Share the Love Event and chosen NWF as your charity. If you've recently bought a Subaru it's not too late!

Looking forward to years of sharing the love with wildlife. With you all it's possible.

The yard – is still a great place to catch a  few minutes outdoors.  Even better if a few steps are taking to make it more interesting.  Most kids are good about sticking to their own properties.  Make the rules clear, tell them not to wander off and let them play awhile.

 

Play Groups – kids playing outside together are quite safe.  In some neighborhoods parents have arranged regular outdoor play times where kids meet and have fun together for an hour or two.  The kids love it and so do the parents.

Day care – most child care facilities are required to provide outdoor play space for children but not all of them use it on a regular basis.  A reminder to the center from parents about the importance of outdoor time for growing minds and bodies goes a long way.

 

“Buddy” walks to school – only about one-in-nine kids walks to school these days even if they live within a few blocks.  That is down from about half of kids 25 years ago.  Parents living fairly close to school can arrange for two or three kids in the neighborhood to meet up and walk to school together.  It is good exercise and good companionship.

 

After school programs – whether that are educational classes or extended day programs, they are another important way for children to get outdoor play time.  Friendly parental reminders to teachers and after school staff can help here too.

 

School recess – kids need an outdoor break during their school day.  They need to breathe some fresh air, run around, blow off steam and have fun with one another.  In recent years schools have been so focused on statewide test performance that many have cut out recess breaks.  Parents can look into this and bring it up as an important opportunity for children to have more outdoor time.

 

Time for two (or three)– there are many moments each week when a the mom or dad is busy indoors and the kids are  planted in front of the television.  It doesn't take much to convert these moments into a walk around the block, a visit to a playground or a quick game in the backyard.  Parents who look for these opportunities whether a few minutes or an hour will have happier and healthier children.

 

For more information on ways to get children outdoors and places to enjoy outdoor time vists NWF's Be Out There site.  

Today's parents are concerned about the safety of their children when they are playing outdoors.  There is more traffic on the streets and more worries about other harms befalling them such as "stranger danger."   While the neighborhood may be very safe — conscientious parents still want some added assurance.  Here are some proven Be Out There ways that parents across America are providing safe outdoor play time for kids.  

The yard – is still a great place to catch a  few minutes outdoors.  Even better if a few steps are taking to make it more interesting.  Most kids are good about sticking to their own properties.  Make the rules clear, tell them not to wander off and let them play awhile.

 

Play Groups – kids playing outside together are quite safe.  In some neighborhoods parents have arranged regular outdoor play times where kids meet and have fun together for an hour or two.  The kids love it and so do the parents.

 

Day care – most child care facilities are required to provide outdoor play space for children but not all of them use it on a regular basis.  A reminder to the center from parents about the importance of outdoor time for growing minds and bodies goes a long way.

 

“Buddy” walks to school – only about one-in-nine kids walks to school these days even if they live within a few blocks.  That is down from about half of kids 25 years ago.  Parents living fairly close to school can arrange for two or three kids in the neighborhood to meet up and walk to school together.  It is good exercise and good companionship.

 

After school programs – whether that are educational classes or extended day programs, they are another important way for children to get outdoor play time.  Friendly parental reminders to teachers and after school staff can help here too.

 

School recess – kids need an outdoor break during their school day.  They need to breathe some fresh air, run around, blow off steam and have fun with one another.  In recent years schools have been so focused on statewide test performance that many have cut out recess breaks.  Parents can look into this and bring it up as an important opportunity for children to have more outdoor time.

 

Time for two (or three)– there are many moments each week when a the mom or dad is busy indoors and the kids are  planted in front of the television.  It doesn't take much to convert these moments into a walk around the block, a visit to a playground or a quick game in the backyard.  Parents who look for these opportunities whether a few minutes or an hour will have happier and healthier children.

For more information on ways to get children outdoors and places to enjoy outdoor time vists NWF's Be Out There site.   

The National Wildlife Federation’s new Be Out There Campaign aims to educate tens of million of U.S. moms and dads on the importance of helping their kids have more time outdoors and providing tools to do so. 

Here is Be Out There’s list of the 10 best reasons a parent should care:

1.  Stronger bones and lower cancer risk: Today’s “indoor kids” don’t get enough sun and are becoming Vitamin D deficient, causing health risks.

2. Trimmer and more healthy kids: An hour of play a day is what doctors say is a basic tool in the effort to ward off childhood obesity and diabetes.

3. Improved eyesight: Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eye glasses.

4. Less depression and hyperactivity: Outdoor time in natural setting (even tree-lined streets) soothes kids and lower their need for medications.

5. Longer attention spans: Children who stare at TV and video games all day have less patience and shorter attention spans.

6. Better at making friends: Children playing together outdoors relate directly with one another, create games together, choose sides and improve their “people” skills.

7. More creative: Outdoor kids are more likely to use their own imaginations, inventions and creativity while playing.

8. Less ”acting out” at home and school: Getting kids away from TV violence and video games helps them see that violent behavior does not always solve problems.

9. Measurably better grades in school: The healthy bodies and minds that come with outdoor play are better able to do well in school. 

10: A longer lifespan and healthier adult life: Doctors estimate that sedentary and obese children lose three to five years from their life expectancy.

If none of these practical and important reasons work for you — consider that a child who spends time outdoors breathes healthier air (than indoors), learns to see the wonders of nature, climbs trees, has more fun and learns a deeper respect for wildlife and natural surroundings.  

Now if we can only get out kids to Be Out There more often!

The new parent and teacher guide, called TIME OUT: Using the Outdoors to Enhance Classroom Performance shares the science behind developmental gaps, nutrition and physical activity implications, and offers solutions to connect the indoor generation back to nature.

The guide is available through NWF’s Be Out There campaign. The report also features Green Hour’s Top 10 ways to Be Out There — even after school starts!

Throughout human history, blood sucking insects have devastatingly spread bacteria, viruses, and blood-borne parasites: responsible for an astonishing number of deaths due to bubonic plague, Chagas disease, dengue fever, filariasis, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, malaria, rabies, sleeping sickness, St. Louis encephalitis, tularemia, typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile fever and others.

This is not to say you will actually catch any of these while you are exploring the outdoors, it is just to say those diminutive bugs are a force to be reckoned with. In many parts of the world such diseases are still rampant, but luckily here in the U.S. the most common one we have to worry about is West Nile (though the likelihood of you getting that is low–there were only under 3,700 cases last year). Regardless, life is better when we can avoid bug bites. But are there ways of doing this without using the equally hazardous option of DEET-packed bug spray.

DEET, or N-Diethyl-meta-toulamide, is the most widely used active ingredient in bug sprays. DEET should never be used on infants younger than 3 years old. It poses mild risk to children (regardless of concentration), anyone with sensitive skin, or anyone using it repeatedly. Testing has shown that there are positive mutation results in mammal cells, suggesting potential carcinogenic effects. It is also classified as an irritant for skin, eyes and lungs by the European Union. Further animal testing showed brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses along with endocrine system disruption and reproductive effects at high doses. Apart from potential risks to human health, DEET, as a chemical pesticide, is also not so great for the environment, with potential wildlife and environmental toxicity, particularly to freshwater wildlife.

• More information on DEET
• More information on a popular bug spray that uses DEET

With the potential dangers of conventional bug repellent, there are some great natural ones on the market, but the best way to ensure what is in your product is to make it yourself. It is fun to try and you can rest assured there aren’t any hidden ingredients and you can tailor it to your taste.

** You should note that not all essential oils are safe for use on pregnant women or infants. Always look up the essential oils you are using when you are pregnant, breast feeding, or intending to use on little ones. The best bet for pregnant women who want to avoid bugs is citronella and tea tree essential oils mixed with carrier oil or water.

Making a Natural Bug Repellent Spray

4 oz distilled water
40 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops cedar essential oil
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops basil essential oil

Put your essential oils into a sterile dark colored glass or plastic spray bottle first then fill the rest of the bottle with 4oz of distilled water, pure witch hazel, aloe vera juice, green tea brewed in distilled water, or any combination of these that you like. Shake the mixture before using and then spray on skin before heading out and be sure to keep it near by if you are out and about. You could easily make this a body oil if you’d like more staying power and don’t mind a greasier feel, just replace the water with any carrier oil of your choice but be sure to avoid clothing.

If it is too late and you’ve already been chewed up you can make your own soothing oil to alleviate the itch and irritation of bug bites. * * You should note that not all essential oils are safe for use on pregnant women or infants. Always look up the essential oils you are using when you are pregnant, breast feeding, or intending to use on little ones. The best bet for pregnant women who already have bug bites in search for relief is eucalyptus and  lavender essential oils mixed with carrier oil or water.

Making an Anti-itch Bug Bite Soother

4 oz carrier oil of your choice
40 drops peppermint oil
20 drops lavender oil
20 drops tea tree oil
10 drops rosemary oil

I tend to use a blend of apricot kernel and sweet almond oils as my base oil but you can use any vegetable oil you have around; olive oil, canola, sunflower, or soy oil would work just fine. Pour your base oil into a sterile dark colored glass or plastic bottle (if you don’t have one that is dark colored store it in a cabinet, light breaks down the oils rendering it less effective). Add the drops of essential oils. This is a potent blend so be sure to avoid sensitive areas (eyes, nethers, etc). Try a test patch if you are sensitive to be sure it works for your skin type.

Have fun making your goodies and enjoy the great outdoors even more with fewer pesky bugs around!

If you are interested in other handmade eco-friendly skin care products or recipes please visit my website, StrawberryHedgehog.com.

Camping Essentials:

#1. Know What You’re Packin’:
First things first, it helps to have a thorough packing list for a camping trip. Don’t forget to include items like your sun glasses, sunscreen and bug spray!(If you are a beginning camper..check out this pdf that tells you everything you’ll need.)

#2. Always Remember First Aid!
Safety is always important, and so is making sure you have a handy first aid kit ! Once you create a first aid kit that includes all the essentials, you can take it with you and hopefully never use it.

#3 Be Extra Safe With These Camping and Campfire Tips.
Don’t forget to read over some great tips on how to best prepare you and your friends or family for camping! Here are some safe campfire and camping tips to keep in mind.

#4 Camping-Friendly Recipes: Everything From Sloppy Joes to Cornbread.
Just because you may be far away from a traditional stove doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious food. Here are some great camping recipes that also include some awesome pie iron tips! If you’ve got camping recipes to share, be sure to visit and share them on the forum! Check them out and don’t forget to pack them when the time comes…

#5 Use Wildlife Resources To Observe Your “Neighbors”
NWF encourages people to learn about their natural surroundings and that includes in your backyard or nearby park. Using great sites like Wildlife Watch and Night Watch, you can observe wildlife in a number of ways! Download wildlife lists and keep an eye, ear and nose out for fun things to spot.

#6 Camping Games and Activities:
If you are between the ages of 6-113 then you should check out these games and crafts. I’m all for crafts, and while I know that is a little unusual for a girl in her twenties, I have to admit that i’m excited to check out campfire games. And I’ve definitely made my share of terrariums in my day! Also, don’t forget to sing along to these fine camping songs!( I personally don’t subject people to my singing, but be my guest!)

For those of you who do take the time to do Campout on June 28th and would like to commemorate the night, feel free to check out our selection of t-shirts. But we encourage people to camp through out the summer and in doing so connect to our wonderful surroundings. There are some awesome resources to find the right answers to your camping questions! You can even find a campsite with ReserveAmerica and continue the adventure while learning more about wildlife.

What’s the buzz around campout? Check out these awesome blogs and what they have to say…

Tree Hugger
Georgia Outdoors
Great Wild Outdoors
Life as A Mom
Newswise
Tampa Bay Newspaper

Dandelion
The flowers of these sunny lawn weeds can be made into a tasty drink called dandelion wine and the greens make an excellent salad green. In fact, all parts of this plant are edible and are chock full of nutrients. Buy them in the grocery store – or simply harvest them from your own herbicide-free yard.

Morels
The scrumptious, earthy flavor of wild morel mushrooms is legendary.  They only grow in the wild and morel hunters across the country are in the woods in full force looking for these delectable fungi.

Garlic Mustard
This invasive exotic weed crowds out native woodland plants and the wildlife that depend on them.  Why let the weeds win when you can pull them and turn them into a tasty garlic mustard pesto? You’ll be doing a favor for the forest — your taste buds too!

Fiddleheads
New, unopened fern fronds are known as fiddleheads, and those of some fern species are not only edible, they’re downright delicious!

Insects and Spiders
That’s not a typo. All sorts of arthropods from crickets to cicadas to spiders are edible and surprisingly nutritious.

Wild Edibles Tips

1. NEVER eat anything that you cannot identify with 100 percent confidence.
2. Don’t harvest from areas sprayed with pesticides.
3. Search local farmers markets and natural grocery stores first before collecting from the wild.
4. Search online for local foragers groups or wild food experts who can help you identify potential foods and coordinate foraging trips.
5. If you do collect from the wild, don’t be greedy.  Leave plenty to provide for wildlife and to ensure the next generation.

It’s amazing to think that what light bulbs you choose may impact your favorite endangered species, but the interconnectedness of life knows no bounds.

Check out the Good Neighborhood…

The program is cool because it shows you what you may already be doing in your house and also gives you more things you can pledge to do. When you rack up a certain number of points based on these actions and commitments, you qualify to be a “Good Neighbor.” What does that mean? A certificate of course, as well as some nifty other perks to keep you on the power-saving path.

I signed up for the pledge the other day and am very happy about getting my reminder stickers for the light switches in my house. Sometimes it just takes a little reminder for me and my roommates to do something that seems so obvious.

Living as a Good Neighbor is an important step to being part of a community united to mitigate global warming. By taking the pledge you are agreeing to take steps to reduce your impact! Once you complete the pledge, NWF will reward you with our exclusive Good Neighbor Pledge Kit.  For just $15, you’ll get some really “cool” benefits.

Top Five Easiest Things to Do to Conserve Energy

• Change the filter in your furnace: Keep heating and cooling systems running efficiently.
• Change to fluorescent light bulbs: They use far less energy than incandescents.
• Combine trips: Plan your errands to reduce transportation time.
• Lower the temperature on your water heater: You’ll still have hot water, but it means the heater uses less energy when you are not using hot water.
• Check your car’s tire pressure: Poorly inflated tires wastes gas and causes more pollution.

Have questions? Here’s some background Information:

Every day, we make choices that affect the earth and the future of our world. From the cars that we drive, to the lights we use, to the things we keep plugged in, all of these choices have a direct and lasting impact on the environment. Many scientists agree that human created carbon pollution, like a coal-burning power plant or the exhaust from a car, is making global temperatures rise and causing climate change.

Scientists say that a temperature increase of just 2°F could result in the irreversible damage to the environment, we need to act fast. Luckily we can avoid this end, because the we just need to reduce carbon pollution by at least 2 percent every year or 30 percent by the year 2020.

If you’re still not convinced that making a few changes around the house will help check out these facts:

Source

1. “The U.S. EPA ranks the major greenhouse gas contributing end-user sectors in the following order: industrial, transportation,residential, commercial and agricultural^[8].”

2. “Major sources of an individual’s greenhouse gases include home heating and cooling, electricity consumption, and transportation.”

3. “Corresponding conservation measures are improving home building insulation, compact fluorescent lamps and choosing high miles per gallon vehicles.”

It’s important to recognize the impact of lifestyle on the environment. Changing a few things within the home is a huge step toward being a good neighbor to wildlife and others.