As the weather gets cooler and the leaves change color, fall is a perfect time to head outdoors and appreciate the beauty all around us. Taking a closer look at leaves can help kids (and grown-ups!) learn more about the world outside, all while having a little fun. So, whether you’re in your backyard or walking through the woods, here are some simple activities to help you see leaves in a whole new way.
Parts of a Leaf
First, let’s start by figuring out the main parts of a leaf. Look for a leaf that’s big enough to show off all these parts:
- Blade: The flat, wide part of the leaf.
- Leaf Tip: The very end or “point” of the blade.
- Veins: The tiny lines that spread out like a net through the leaf.
- Midrib: The big vein running down the middle of the blade.
- Petiole: The small stem that connects the leaf to the branch.
Got it? Now let’s put that knowledge to use!
Fun Leaf Activities
Here are a few easy activities to help you explore leaves and learn a little more about the trees around you:
- Leaf Hunt and Identification: Grab a bag and collect as many different types of leaves as you can find. Notice the shapes, colors, and sizes. Try to match them to the tree they came from. Look for common ones like oak, maple, or birch. You can even turn it into a game by seeing who can find the most different types! To learn about trees, here’s a book I like.
- Find All the Leaf Parts: Pick out a leaf that really shows off the parts we talked about—blade, tip, veins, midrib, and petiole. Use a magnifying glass if you have one, and look closely at how the veins branch out or how the tip of one leaf might look different from another. Draw your leaf and label each part. If you’re feeling crafty, press the leaf in a book and make it part of a nature journal.
- Leaf Rubbing Art: Choose some leaves that have good, bumpy veins. Put them under a piece of paper (vein side up) and use the side of a crayon to rub over the leaf. Watch the shape and veins show up like magic! Try using fall colors like red, orange, and yellow to make a collection of leaf rubbings you can display.
- Leaf Sorting and Graphing: Got lots of leaves? Sort them by size, shape, or color. Line them up from smallest to biggest, or group by colors. If you’re feeling creative, make a bar graph by taping leaves onto a big piece of paper to show off your findings.
Wrapping It Up
Exploring fall leaves is a great way to get outside and connect with nature. You might even start to see leaves differently once you know what to look for. So, grab a bag, find a few leaves, and see what makes each one special. Fall only lasts a little while, so enjoy the leaves while they’re still on the ground!
There’s nothing quite like spending time with people who share your love for nature. I recently had breakfast with some fellow Blue Sky Docents and the ranger, and it really set the tone for a great Saturday. The food was delicious—we had everything from eggs and bacon to fresh fruit and pastries—but honestly, the best part was catching up with old friends and getting to know the newer members of the group
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I started volunteering at Blue Sky back in early 1993, and I’ve never regretted it. Over the years, I’ve made so many lasting friendships and learned so much about our local plants, animals, and habitats. It’s not just something I do in my spare time; it’s become a big part of who I am.
The Connections Make It Special
What I love most about these gatherings is the chance to connect with people who care about the same things I do. Whether we’re swapping stories about wildlife sightings or talking about the best trails to explore, I always walk away feeling more connected to the people and the place. Volunteering has introduced me to so many wonderful people, and the bond we share through our love of nature makes it all the more special.
It’s not just about my fellow volunteers, either. I’ve had the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with people of all ages. Whether it’s a group of curious kids on a Scout hike or adults seeing nature through fresh eyes, it’s incredibly rewarding to help others discover the beauty of the world around us.
Why Blue Sky Inspires Me
Blue Sky is one of my biggest passions. When you see me posting pictures of animals, insects, or plants, Blue Sky is usually the reason why. Over the years, it’s given me so much inspiration, and it’s helped shape the way I see the natural world. I love having a place where I can keep learning and sharing with others.
In a world where we’re all glued to screens, there’s something refreshing about stepping into nature, slowing down, and really taking in everything around us. Blue Sky offers a chance to reconnect with the environment and appreciate all the little details we might otherwise miss.
Why I Keep Coming Back
If I had to describe my experience at Blue Sky in one word, it would be fulfilling. There’s always something new to learn, and the community I’ve found here is incredible. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I say go for it. Whether it’s at Blue Sky or somewhere closer to home, you never know what new passion it might ignite.
