In this episode, Forest Mum share some of the benefits of a family day at the beach, and some of our favourite strategies for fall beach visits that are fun, healthy, and sustainable. You'll also discover some ideas for fun activities that will help you to connect with each other and to explore the ecosystems that surround you.

Resources Used & Links Mentioned:

• Child's sunhats

• Jan & Jul Summer Clearance

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In this episode, Forest Mum celebrates World Lizard Day (August 14) by exploring the fascinating world of Ontario's only native lizard—the Five-Lined Skink! Join me as I explore the unique features, habitats, and conservation status of this small and elusive reptile. You'll also learn where to spot these skinks in Ontario's parks and natural spaces, and how you can help protect this species.

Resources Used & Links Mentioned:

• Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Information

• Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC)

• Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Rare Species of Ontario Project on iNaturalist

• Interested in Five-Lined Skink conservation? Learn more and get involved through Ontario Nature.

• Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) Carolinian population Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population: COSWIC assessment and status report 2021 - from Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), Government of Canada/ Gouvernement du Canada.

• Ontario Nature article about Five-lined Skink

• Ontario Nature's The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Publication - 2009-2019. - Five-lined Skink pages

Turn your nature exploration into a game. Get my FREE Summer Bingo and let the games begin!

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Do you have questions or ideas? Reach out through my contact page on my website!

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Share this episode with friends and family to spread the word about protecting Ontario's unique wildlife!

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In this episode I discuss different types of storms and other extreme weather that we may experience in the summer. I outline the characteristic of several weather extremes and how you can stay safe when they occur, whether you're inside or outside. I describe examples for some of the storm types and how people were affected by them.

Do you have stories or tips to share about extreme summer weather? Send me DM on Facebook or Instagram or reach out through the contact page on my website.

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In this episode I share how I have been able to do more and to find more time for me and my family to get outside.

I mention the online Freelance Summit from last summer where I learned about different tools and strategies to help freelancers and business owners. To find out more about this year's summit DM me "freelance summit" on Facebook or Instagram.

To learn more about time management specialist Megan Sumrell's TOP Bootcamp from July 8-12, 2024, and to get the link to register check out https://forestmum.com/topbootcamp2024/

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In this episode, I walk you through what forest bathing is and what it isn't. I share some studies that describe several different benefits to your health and well-being. I look at some risks you may encounter and how you can reduce them, as well as where you can go to find forested or treed areas no matter where you live.

If you're looking for more details regarding how to protect yourselves against ticks or bears check out Episode 5 - Spring Dangers & What To Do About Them.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

• Forest Bathing in Psychology Today
• Can forest therapy enhance health and well-being? in Harvard Health Publishing
• Insect repellents - Canadian Paediatric Society
• Parks Canada
• Ontario Parks

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Did you experience the total solar eclipe on Monday 8 April 2024?

In this episode, I discuss the different types of solar eclipses and what this week's total ecipse was like for me and my family.

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Need more ideas to get outside? Check out my 5 Easy Activities to Engage Kids in the Natural World.

In this episode, I look at the origins of easter eggs and the easter bunny. I consider the reasons we often choose to use plastic eggs as decorations and for easter egg hunts and their environmental impacts.

I suggest several reusable and/or biodegradable alternatives and how we can use them to help us have a fun and tasty Easter celebration while reducing our impacts on the environment.

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Find out about three outdoor risks that you may encounter in the spring and what to do if you encounter them. You will also learn how to reduce your risk and play safe in the outdoors.

If you would like more information about Spring Water Safety, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Spring Water Awareness Program has some helpful resources.

Find out more about bear safety:

• Be Bear Wise and prevent bear encounters (Ontario, Black Bears)

• Parks Canada Bears and People brochure (Western Canada, includes Grizzly Bears)

For more about ticks and Lyme Disease and other tickborne illnesses

• Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

• Tick-borne diseases (Ontario Government)

• Lyme disease: Symptoms and treatment (Public Health Agency of Canada)