Celebrate Earth Day this month with these easy-to-make crafts that will have you feeding the birds, learning about plants and how they grow, and venturing outdoors to see what you can see while on a nature walk.
DIY BIRDSEED ORNAMENTS
Materials
2 1/2 cups Birdseed
2 Tbsp. Unflavored Gelatin (2 packages)
2 Tbsp. Corn Syrup
1 cup Water
Cookie Cutters
3 Drinking Straws cut into 2” long pieces
Ribbon
Directions
1. Add 1/2 cup cold water to a large bowl. Pour the two packages of unflavored gelatin on top of the water.
2. Add 1/2 cup boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
3. Add the corn syrup and stir until combined.
4. Add the birdseed and mix well.
5. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the liquid is firm enough to stay within the cookie cutter.
6. Place your cookie cutters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and fill them with spoonfuls of the birdseed mixture. Using the back of the spoon, press down the birdseed mixture firmly to fill in all the gaps.
7. Press the drinking straws into each of the shapes, leaving at least 1/2” of space between the hole and the edge of the shape.
8. Place the ornaments in the refrigerator overnight.
9. To remove the cookie cutters, gently pull the metal away from the edges on all sides then gently push the birdseed ornaments out of the cookie cutters. Gently pull the straws out.
10. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole and tie the ends in a knot.
MINI GREENHOUSES
Materials
Plastic cups (clear and colored)
Push pin
Potting soil
Seeds
Water
Directions
1. Use the push pin to poke several holes in the bottom of your colored cup. This will allow for some drainage.
2. Fill the cup with potting soil and pat it down gently, leaving some space at the top.
3. Place seeds in your soil-filled cup, leaving space between each one.
4. Cover seeds with an additional scoop of soil and pat it down gently.
5. Water the seeds.
6. Place the clear plastic cup over the solid colored cup to form a greenhouse. This will lock in moisture and warmth. Place the greenhouses on a tray and put them near a window that will get a lot of sunlight.
NATURE BINGO
Materials
Paper
Pencil
Crayons
Markers
Directions
1. Draw a grid containing 25 squares.
2. In each grid box, either write the name or draw a picture of an item you hope to find on your nature walk. Items can include the sun, leaves, trees, bees, and clouds.
3. Once you’ve completed your board, venture outside and see what you’ll find.
4. Or, click here to download our Nature Bingo Board!
