August 10th

By Mutt Mulligan

TurfMutt’s tips for getting outside & learning about nature (at home or in the classroom)

When it comes to our yards, school grounds, parks and other living landscapes, you don’t have to be big to make a big difference – even during a global pandemic. School is back in session soon at school or virtually for many, and the TurfMutt Foundation is offering tips to inspire students and their families to take care of the green spaces around them — and get outside and enjoy them.

Tip #1: Get outside. Fall is a great time to explore nature all around you. After spending a long day inside at school or at home learning from school virtually, encourage your child to take time afterward to enjoy your yard or nearby parks.

Tip #2. Notice the different kinds of plants in your yard. Take your children around the outside of your home. Encourage them to take notes and sketch what is seen. What makes your yard unique? Draw the living (plants, trees, grass) and the non-living (patios, grills) parts of your landscape. What might impact living plants? Does your yard need plants that do well in the wind, full sun, shade, or occasional flooding?

Tip #3: Notice areas needing improvements. Do plants need mulch to help them save water? Do you have plants that attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies? Do you have a healthy mix of grass, shrubs, trees and flowering plants?  Are some parts of your yard a little worn out? Do you need to designate areas of your yard for different activities?

Tip #4: Make a plan to take care of your yard. Have a family talk about how you can care for your lawn and landscape, and the improvements you want to make.  Create a plan to take care of the yard and make improvements together.

Tip #5: Put the right plant in the right place. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out what plants are best for where you live. Use a mix of native and adaptive plants and place them where they will thrive.

Tip #6: Visit TurfMutt.com to play games, get free lesson plans for grades K-8, and read digital storybooks for free. Join Lucky the TurfMutt and his friends, the Outdoor Powers on their adventures to save the planet one yard at a time. The website offers home-based activities, digital storybooks, lesson plans for families and teachers and more.

To learn more go to TurfMutt.com.