Get Outta the House: Taking the Common Core Standards Outside

08/22/2023

06/06/2023

Amazing how many people each year think the rules don’t apply to them. We saw so many people off the boardwalks at Yellowstone. Crazy!

It’s that season again. When out in nature and around wildlife, think safety and act safely. You can help keep yourself and others safe and wildlife wild by setting a good example! Remember to treat wildlife with proper caution and respect. The safety of animals, as well as your safety, depends on everyone using good judgment. Also, think of the paperwork.

1️⃣ Give animals room.

The best way to stay safe around wildlife is to give animals room to move. If you’re close enough for a selfie, you’re too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens and take the initiative to move back if wildlife approaches you. (Especially if they’re pressing you about a warranty.)

2️⃣ Do not disturb.

Even when you’re farther away, leaving wildlife alone can help your viewing experience. Do not feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. Remember that wildlife in parks are wild and like your ex, can be unpredictable when they’re disturbed or surprised.

3️⃣ Be responsible.

Ultimately, staying safe and keeping wildlife wild is up to you! When you go out into a national park, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself, your family, and the wildlife safe (and the viral videos at a minimum.)

Find tips to watch wildlife safely (share these with your friends) at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/watchingwildlife/7ways.htm

📸 Illustration featuring mountains, trees, and a bison with a person bounced in the air, with the text, “Don’t pet the fluffy cows,” and “think safety, act safely.” National Park Service

05/25/2023

If you’re visiting Death Valley this summer instead of Glacier, the rangers have some tips to keep you safe.

“Death Valley in summer is pretty cool, am I right?!” We see what you did there. HOWEVER, summer safety when visiting this admittedly cool park is very important. We are already seeing daily temperatures over 100F! 🥵

If visiting Death Valley in the summer, follow these tips to stay safe. The park is over 3 million acres with limited cell service; prepare well before you arrive.

⚠️ Drink plenty of water: Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, more if you are active. Be aware of balancing fluid and electrolyte levels.

⚠️ Avoid hiking in the heat: Do not hike in low elevations when temperatures are hot.

⚠️ Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

⚠️ Watch for signs of trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Be alert for symptoms in others.

📍 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

📷 An individual in a t-shirt and ball cap watches the sunset over the distant mountains as light beams shine. NPS

05/25/2023

Online gardening classes for people who are too busy — or too far away— to attend in person!

Are you interested in learning to vegetable garden but don't have time to attend a live course? We offer a self-paced class. Go to https://ican.nmsu.edu/seedtosupper.html for more information and to sign up!

05/25/2023

Time to plan that summer trip to Glacier!

2023 Vehicle Reservations begin this Friday, May 26. Here are the top things you need to know:

🔸Visitors who do not already possess a vehicle reservation can book 24-hour advance reservations at 8 am MDT on Recreation.gov the day before their visit. Vehicle reservations are only available at Recreation.gov.

🔸The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter the park before 6 am or after 3 pm without a vehicle reservation.

🔸For the east side of the park, vehicle reservations will not be required at Many Glacier, Two Medicine and St. Mary (at Rising Sun) entrances until July 1, 2023.

📰Read about all the details here: http://ow.ly/XWXm50Ow73S

05/13/2023

School gardeners! Free webinar from the experts in California.

SCHOOL GARDEN WEBINAR – The School Garden Webinar from California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC) is an excellent opportunity for educators, parents, and volunteers to learn practical strategies for establishing and maintaining school gardens and how to connect them to local agriculture. During the webinar, you will have the chance to hear from an experienced UC Master Gardener who will share tips and tricks for getting the most out of your school garden. Additionally, you will learn about free educational resources to help you incorporate your school garden into your curriculum and get ideas for bringing the garden into your classroom. The event will culminate with a virtual school garden tour, followed by a Q&A session.

When: Tuesday, May 16 at 4:00 p.m. PT
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Free!

To register for the webinar, simply click here: https://learnaboutag.org/programs/schoolgarden/
Once you register, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the webinar.

05/13/2023

California State Parks is looking for students to design a logo for Ocean Week. Deadline quickly approaching.

Student Competition Alert! Your students could win a chance to speak with state park scuba divers live and underwater for World Ocean Week! For more information visit the link in our bio! Last day to submit student artwork: May 26!

Good luck!

Enter and find more info here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/SaRu6Dl/WOW2023?source_id=9361493d-c0f9-4b22-b748-4bd8b8bcf6e9&source_type=em&c=W76B_7UNlrKjj6ajWKoQvbAJ4F2MYZA7tPgVn5EJE2iDEMJMhLc8RQ==

05/13/2023

Some gardening news we can use from New Mexico. Finally getting my raised gardens prepared today and putting in my tomatoes. I know, I know. I’m late. This end of the school year stuff is killer though.

WHEN TO HARVEST VEGETABLES (https://bit.ly/3xX3OsT): Here are some great tips to determine when you should harvest the vegetables in your garden! 🌱 Also read, “Home Vegetable Gardening in New Mexico” (https://bit.ly/3wd3hBc).

05/03/2023

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

04/26/2023

Great brain break idea for the classroom!

Join us tomorrow UNDERWATER! Our state park scuba divers will be live at 11am tomorrow, April 26

Make sure your classroom is registered to join in on the fun! Register here: https://ports-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gEwEluvwT7CmnHgazH9WAw #/registration