- All writings and photographs on this site are, unless otherwise noted, © Michael D. Barton.
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Author Archives: darwinsbulldog
Blog retirement (a thank you & how to stay connected)
I started Exploring Portland’s Natural Areas in the fall of 2010, having recently moved to the city with my family. The creation of the blog was due in response to not finding a whole lot online about exploring in local … Continue reading
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BOOK REVIEW: Charley Harper’s What’s in the Desert? A Nature Discovery Book
I have previously shared here about a series of kid’s nature books that focused on woodlands, rain forests, and coral reefs. Pomegranate Books has recently published a fourth: Charley Harper’s What’s in the Desert? A Nature Discovery Book (order through Powell’s … Continue reading
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BOOK REVIEW: Seasons of Joy
I love children’s books that depict children playing outside. We need such books to serve as constant reminders to get our own children – whether as parents, teachers, or mentors – into nature and exploring their world. And when the … Continue reading
Posted in books, nature art, nature play, seasons, Uncategorized
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BOOK REVIEW: On a Magical Do-Nothing Day
Here in Portland we are back in the rainy part of the year (pretty much October through early June). I admit it becomes all too easy to just want to hang out indoors, laptop at one’s fingertips and a to-do … Continue reading
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BOOK REVIEW: The Creaky Knees Guide Pacific Northwest National Parks and Monuments: The 75 Best Easy Hikes
As a family we’ve explored in many national parks, from Yosemite National Park in California to Yellowstone National Park in (mostly) Wyoming. And while we’ve certainly visited the flagship NPS sites in the Pacific Northwest – Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, … Continue reading
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BOOK: Rainy Day Kids Adventure Book
For many of us the rainy season is either here or soon upon us. It can be difficult to muster the energy for getting outside with kids when it’s pouring out. The advice and suggested activities in this new book … Continue reading
Posted in books, nature play, Uncategorized, weather
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BOOK REVIEW: Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
I have yet to visit the Grand Canyon. My family and I have visited many of the familiar national parks of the west, but so far not this miles-wide chasm in Arizona. After reading the new children’s book Grand Canyon … Continue reading
Posted in books, education, geology, nature art, oceans, paleontology, science, trees, Uncategorized
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BOOK: There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather & GIVEAWAY!
Last spring when I attended the annual Children & Nature Network conference in Vancouver, B.C., I met Linda McGurk, a Swedish-born, Indiana-living freelance journalist and mother of two girls who writes the blog Rain or Shine Mamma. We had been … Continue reading
Posted in books, education, nature play, nature play sign, parenting, Uncategorized, weather
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Upcoming nature events in Portland
— Please check for any schedule changes or registration requirements — Have you checked out The Intertwine’s new mobile app Daycation to learn about things to do in nature around the Portland area? Also check out the new Metro Park Finder! Nature Night … Continue reading
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BOOK REVIEW: Where’s Rodney?
Not every child can sit still in a classroom setting all day long. Children need to move their bodies and explore their environment. A new book from the Yosemite Conservancy follows young Rodney, an elementary-grade student who just can’t remain … Continue reading
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