While kids are stuck at home, The TurfMutt Foundation’s environmental education program and resources, based on STEM principles, teach kids to learn about the benefits of their family yard and taking care of the green spaces around them. The lessons encourage them to explore and appreciate nature and science – in their own backyards and […]
St. Patrick’s Day might feel a little different for your family this year. The TurfMutt Foundation has a suggestion. Why not celebrate the “green holiday” by getting outside and enjoying the green spaces around you? Caring for and spending time in our yards and community green spaces (i.e. being an “outsider”) is good for our […]
Experts agree that having and spending time in our green space (a.k.a. being an “outsider”) is good of our bodies and our minds. Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve memory, boost heart health, and offer a host of other benefits. Owning a pet is also good for your health. […]
Have you been hesitant to purchase a home with a big backyard? Maybe it’s because you think you’ll spend every weekend during yardwork. Or perhaps you have the misconception that living landscapes are not an environmentally conscious choice. Below are some compelling counterpoints for your biggest objections to a large family yard. “I don’t want […]
Scientists warn that 41% of the world’s bug species face extinction. Insects are not only an important part of the circle of life – providing food for larger animals – they also perform vital roles such as pollinating crops and other plant life, providing pest control and recycling nutrients. Scientists say the good news is […]
Planning time for outdoor learning could be an inexpensive way for schools to improve the psychological well-being of their students. That’s the conclusion from a study of over 400 children from 11 different schools in the UK. For the research, children completed well-being and “connectedness to nature” assessments at the beginning and end of the […]
The TurfMutt Foundation is currently taking entries for The (Really) Great Outdoors Contest 2020. It urges kids to use their imaginations around the many uses and benefits of green space and the outdoors. The contest is open to students in grades six to eight. Entries are due March 16, 2020. Enter the contest now. The […]
Did you know that Saturday, Feb. 22 is National Walk Your Dog Day? Taking a walk is probably one of your dog’s favorite activities. Turns out, it’s also good for you. Scientists have discovered that dog owners are more likely to engage in moderate physical activity than non-dog owners. In fact, dog owners walk an […]
This PALentine’s Day, we are celebrating the love between humans and their dogs. There is a lot of science to back up “puppy love” on PALentine’s Day, and every day of the year. Playing with a dog or even just petting one lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate, regulates breathing, and relaxes muscle tension. In […]
Research indicates that the number of birds in North America has dropped by 29% in the last 50 years. That equates to a loss of 2.9 billion birds since 1970. This weekend (Feb. 14-17) you can help scientists further research and understand bird populations by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The […]