10 Nature Treasures to Find at the Park or Around the Block
1. Pine or fir cones
Have your kids find and identify the pine cones or fir cones of the conifers in your neighborhood. Fun fact: Cones that come from our plentiful local Douglas firs are fir cones, not pine cones, of course! A copy of "Mac’s Field Guides: Northwest Trees" helps with distinctions among different kinds of cones. The guides are good for other flora, birds and bugs, too, and they're laminated so sticky hands can use them again and again.
The craft opportunities with pine cones are endless, from pine-cone owls to wreaths and snowmen. Display them in a Mason jar, a basket or other containers at home.
