Spruce Run Environmental Center
Spring Newsletter 2020
Ranger Granger is Going Flat!
Spring is usually such a busy time at Spruce Run, but this year because of the Staying Safe at Home order, I am missing the personal interactions that I have with all of the students and staff that normally would come to visit me at Spruce each day. So, in keeping with all COVID protocols and maintaining safe social distancing, I have come up with a fun way to be with all of you. I, Ranger Granger, am going to become FLAT, just like the main character Stanley Lambchop in the book “Flat Stanley” by Jeff Brown.
For those of you whom have never heard of the book "Flat Stanley" it's about a boy, Stanley Lambchop, who was flattened by a bulletin board that fell on him in the middle of the night while he was sleeping. One special advantage of being flat is that Flat Stanley can now visit his friends by being mailed.
I have created a flat Ranger Granger so I can be with all of you! Just download the flat Ranger Granger, cut it out and take me with you on all of your adventures. Here is the link for the flat Ranger Granger: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ya25_v0oRsWqBcpDIm-6RY_SRk7GR5WTPYeqE70DEZA/edit.
Email pictures of you holding up the flat Ranger Granger cut out while experiencing your great nature adventures! In the email share with me where you are and what you are doing. Also, tell me what state you live in and the school you attend. My email is ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us.
Another option is to post your pictures with descriptions to the Spruce Run Environmental Center Facebook page for all nature lovers to enjoy! That link is: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=spruce%20run%20environmental%20center&epa=SEARCH_BOX:
If you need some fun nature based ideas to do with flat Ranger Granger I have created a list titled "100 Things To Do Before You Turn TWELVE": https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zo0ZyR6NVAenKz2y0dY-YeT1Y4iUoRyCgHcrJ86qVEE/edit
I am looking forward to seeing all of your pictures, posts and emails.
Hoping you will always take the time to explore and wonder.
Geri Granger
PreK-12 Educational Programming Coordinator
Spruce Run Environmental Study Center
P.S. If you would like to know more about the adventures of Flat Stanly? This is a link to have the book read aloud to you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QD5UAbDNLs
Ranger Granger: Virtual Nature
Currently, the following videos can be seen on youtube:
- Ranger Granger: Bird Sounds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y70nfpayfgM
- Ranger Granger: Checking Bluebird Boxes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf9mVhRGFRw
- Ranger Granger: The "On Meadowview Street" Earth Day Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmRf36PdVno
- Intro of FLAT Ranger Granger and activity #85 from the list: 100 things to do before you're 12 https://youtu.be/ebXEAGoyeI4
Please read the description of each video for more information and related web links.
Please check back to this newsletter for video updates.
Invite Me to be a Guest Speaker
The Benefits of Being Outside
The bolded points below are from the article "Getting Children Outside while Social Distancing for COVID 19 written by healthlychildren.org. To view, the complete article go to:
Getting your children outside provides more than a fun break. It is also good for their physical and mental health and development. For Example:
Children who play and learn in nature can be healthier. Children play harder outdoors than indoors. Especially without the structure of preschool, school or afterschool activities, children especially need opportunities to move. Children who spend more time outdoors have improved motor development. More outdoor time is linked with lower obesity rates.
Children who play and learn in nature can be more engaged in learning. Playing outside promotes more curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes.
Children who play and learn in nature can show positive behavior. Research has found that when children spent time in natural settings they had less anger and depression. Impulse control also improves. This might be especially important when normal routines have changed for children.
Children who play and learn in nature are mentally healthier. Stress and depression are reduced for all people who spend time in nature. Children show increased focus and reduced symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Remember
Take advantage of the healing power of nature—in your own backyard or on a walk. Just remember to follow local public health guidance and keep at least 6 feet from others outside your family. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer once you return from your adventure. Getting outdoors, being in nature, and moving our bodies is good for everyone!
Volunteers Needed
Become a volunteer. All you need is an enthusiasm for nature and the great outdoors, a willingness to learn and a desire to share with others! Volunteer hours are flexible and will depend on your chosen job area(s). No previous training is needed: training programs will be provided. Currently, we need volunteers in the following areas:
Office: answer telephone, filing, organizing supplies for school group activities
Horticulture: working in the greenhouse, raised bed, landscaping maintenance
Naturalist: sharing your personal "Nature Hobby" such as birding or rock collecting with student groups
Maintenance: general upkeep of the buildings and grounds
Scout Specialist: working with troops, or individual scouts on badges, scouting projects and volunteering opportunities at Spruce Run
Spruce Run environmental Center
Email: ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Location: 4175 Sunbury Road, Galena, OH, USA
Phone: 7409652675