DRAWN TO NATURE. Leslie. Signs of nature are everywhere, just waiting to be noticed, and noticed they have been by acclaimed wildlife artist Clare Walker Leslie. In this book, her drawings and words will inspire readers to develop a deeper connection with the natural world. Drawn to Nature will inspire you to become a better observer of the natural world as well as motivate you to record those observations for posterity

ILLUSTRATING NATURE, How to Paint and Draw Plants and Animals. Barlowe. Step-by-step guide to capture every aspect of nature, from lush swampland vegetation to shy forest dwellers. Expert discussions on

media including pencil, watercolors, oils, acrylics, scratch board, and pen-and-ink. Individual demonstration projects carefully guide one toward mastery of specific techniques.

CREEK AND POND LIFE ACTIVITY KIT. Acorn Naturalists. This unique activity kit is popular with young naturalists, environmental educators, and parents who have access to a pond or stream. This kit was originally designed for the western states, but its versatility makes it easily adapted to any aquatic environment. Search for whirligig beetles, dragonflies, toe-biters, water striders, and backswimmers! Includes activity cards, three petri dishes, dip net, plant press, magnifier, plankton syringe, magnifying observation box, and a pond life field guide. Kit includes a reply card for a free Aquatic Naturalist Certificate of Achievement. Aquatic fun for children ages 7-12

HANDBOOK OF NATURE STUDY. Comstock. First published in 1911 by Anna Comstock, founder of the Department of Nature Study at Cornell University, this 887 page volume has inspired thousands of elementary school teachers to develop their own outdoor study programs. What is more amazing is that this volume, updated in 1939, can still be used to teach the essential elements of the scientific method, mainly by engaging students in the study of the myriad life that surrounds them. Like many great literary works, books such as this are timeless in their approach and insight. Some parts could have been written today, such as the discussion of how the study of nature can help build healthy, observant, well-rounded citizens (as now documented in the recently published book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv). Education, like everything else, has cyclical trends and once again schools are in the process of discovering just how much learning can occur when students go outside and explore nature.