New Film Explores Possitive Influence of Nature

Children & Nature Network (C&NN): "Vermont filmmaker Camilla Rockwell’s new documentary explores how time spent in nature influences child health and development, and suggests ways that adults can revive young people's appetite for the outdoors. As Rockwell tells the Burlington Free Press, she was inspired to create the film after reading Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods."

Watch a preview of the film here

Portland Zoo Lights

Looking for some fun, holiday fun for the whole family, then check out the Portland Zoo Lights. A million lights and more than 200 displays jump out at you from different places. Penguins, monkeys frogs and more swing jump and dance around. Click here for a video preview!

Zoo lights are on display now through Jan. 3 (closed on 12/24 and 25th) from 5:00pm through 8:00 pm (8:30 pm Friday and Saturday) every day.

Join the Christmas Bird Count

From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission - often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action.

Get involved by clicking here.