(by Claire Adams)
The turning leaves, migrating wildlife, and shorter, cooler days bring lots of change in a short amount of time during fall in New Hampshire. All these natural happenings make it an exciting time to head outside and go exploring. While we tend to notice the big seasonal transitions from a distance, like a flying V of Canada Geese or the striking crimson leaves of a Red Maple, we often miss the more subtle changes and details happening on a smaller scale. This autumn, I encourage you to slow down and try out some (or all) of these sensory awakening activities as you hit the trails:
Sound Mapping:
- Materials: piece of paper or page in a nature journal, writing utensil (pen, pencil, marker, crayon, whatever you want/have)
- This is a great activity to do anywhere outside, solo or with a group. Make an “X” in the center of your paper representing you. For 5-15 minutes, sit silently listening to all the sounds surrounding you. When you hear a sound, mark it on your paper, trying to mark it in the direction and distance from your “X”. Be as creative as you would like with marking different kinds of sounds on your paper. Once the time is up, take a look at the map that you created. If you are going sound mapping with others, take a look at others’ maps (if they would like to share).
Color Matching:
- Materials: multiple colors of paint sample cards, felt squares, or laminated construction paper scraps
- Distribute one of the colored cards to each person in your group and tell them to find 1-3 natural objects nearby that perfectly match (or as close to it as possible) the colored card they are holding. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace by holding the card up to the object instead of removing the object from nature (especially plants in the ground or leaves still attached to trees). If someone is having a hard time because their color isn’t as common, help them out as a group. Encourage others to share what matches they found and switch cards with someone else to continue the fun!
Meet-a-Tree:
- Materials: blindfolds or bandanas (enough for one for every two people in your group)
- This activity can be done anywhere with multiple trees that are accessible to walk up to. Explain to your group that you will take turns being blindfolded and led to a tree in pairs. When your partner leads you to the tree they have picked out, you will use your senses of touch, sound, and smell to get to know your tree. After you feel you know your tree well, tell your partner to lead you back to your starting point and remove your blindfold. (Pro-tip: take them on a roundabout route to make it more challenging for the person who is blindfolded.) Try to walk up to and identify the tree you were led to with your blindfold removed. Switch roles with your partner and lead them to a different tree. Repeat as many times as you would like and keep track of how many trees you get correct!
If you would like to experience these and other activities with a NH Audubon Educator, book a Public or School program, attend a session of our Nature Day Camps, or check out our Events Calendar to see what NH Audubon is doing this fall!