Super Eco

Photo credit: jenae_smiles_:), flickr

So you live in the suburbs. Your house, looking much like most of the surrounding houses, is ringed by miles of asphalt and—if you're lucky—more miles of concrete sidewalk. Except for in your own backyard, nature seems far, far, from you, right? Wrong. It's everywhere, and if you look closely you'll find it.

Spring is one of the best times of the year to look for nature in the suburbs! If you live in the U.S. Daylight Saving Time starts next weekend; start a routine of after-dinner walks around your neighborhood. It's beginning to warm up and as the month progresses you'll notice big changes not only in temperature but also to everything (especially the nature) around you.

Your neighbors have planted bulbs. Watch as they poke their brave heads up and bloom. Every day brings new changes. The trees in your neighbors' yards are swelling with bud, waiting to burst out in full bright green leaf. By the end of the month those trees could be blooming, soft white or pink petals floating down around you like snowflakes as you walk.

And then there are the birds. They don't all fly south for the winter, and many birds have been all around you all winter. Get to know them as you walk by; this time of year they are getting very busy!

Slow down, look closer. What other life is there? Rainy days bring worms to the sidewalks. Sunny days bring other insects; flying, crawling. There's a whole world right outside your front door.

Venturing a little farther away, there are farms, nature reserves, hiking trails and other countless opportunities to connect with nature close by. Even your local strip mall has trees; go say hello to them sometime!

P.S. Take the kids with you!