Doing family crafts and projects in the great outdoors is a fun way to experience the wonders of the fall season. Sun prints and bookmarks can be made outdoors with a few supplies and help from nature. Gather the kids and the supplies below to get started. The sun print part of this particular project requires that it be a sunny fall day. If it's cloudy, but nice enough to still be outside, no worries. The bookmarks can be made without the sun and can be made in conjunction with, or separate from the sun print project.

Sun Print Supplies:
Assorted colors and shapes of fall leaves
Colored construction paper of fall colors

Bookmark Supplies:
Assorted colors and shapes of fall leaves
Clear contact paper
A paper weight or heavy book

Sun Print Instructions:
Each child and parent should have a sheet of colored construction paper and an assortment of leaves. The leaves can be collected while doing the craft or perhaps from a previous nature walk. Each person can lay his or her sheet of paper in the sun and arrange the leaves how they want the pattern to appear. The paper will remain its original color where the leaves are placed and be lightened by the sun in uncovered areas. Leave the papers in the sun for the day. When the leaves are removed at the end of the day, a beautiful pattern will appear on the paper. Save the leaves for the bookmark project.

Bookmark Instructions:
Parents should pre-cut bookmark shapes into clear contact paper. When it's time for this outdoor craft, parents can be sure everyone has an even amount. Two pre-cut bookmark shapes are necessary to make one bookmark. Be sure they're wide enough to fit the sizes of leaves you will be using. There needs to be at least 1/4'' of space left without leaves on the edges. To do this outdoor craft, the first step is to peel away the protective cover from one bookmark shaped piece of contact paper. Then, stick the leaves to it in the order you wish. Next, place another over the top of that one and seal it. That's it! Now, everyone can go read a book using their new fall bookmarks.

The fall season is a wonderful time of year for nature-oriented activities. Outdoor fall activities are a great way to stay active and nature can lend a helping hand in many ways. Leaves are changing into wondrous colors and the weather can be just the perfect temperature. Regularly participating in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, nature walks, camping, and other outdoor adventures can be a workout. It's also fun and a great way to spend time with family and friends. One way to be sure you get these outdoor activities in regularly is to form a nature club.

Decide who you are interested in forming the club with. Will this be strictly for family? Are friends invited to participate in the activities? What are the age groups? There could be separate groups for adults and children or it could be all-inclusive. Some may prefer even to ask around the community and make it a more formal club. Decide also if there will be dues or if everyone will just pay their own way whenever there are any associated costs. Many nature venues, such as state parks are free or low-cost, but there may be equipment and supply costs or a number of other small fees.

Scheduling should be something to think about when making plans. The group can decide together on a schedule that best fits all participants. Think about how many times per week or month is ideal, as well as days and times. Also remember to consider holidays, as well as possible weather conditions. Some activities, such as kite flying, would be good on a windy day.

Some may choose to focus a club on one fall hobby or activity. Others may choose to be more versatile. Whatever option you go with, be sure the chosen activities fit the skill levels of your nature club members. A fun way to keep track of everyone while on nature excursions is to get custom-designed t-shirts and matching shoes. Just be sure the shoes are durable and comfy, as well as appropriate for certain activities. Nature activities can be hard on the feet without proper footwear.

Sources:

http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/texas_parks_and_wildlife_promotes_family_nature_clubs

Because of the natural beauty of the seasonal change, fall is a great time to travel. Ecotourism is quickly becoming a popular way to tour the world as people are looking for more innovative ways to decrease their carbon footprint on the earth. Historically, travel has been one of those things associated with polluting the land. But it doesn't have to be. People all over the United states and around the world are working toward the common goal of making travel less harmful to the planet.

Ecotourism in the fall might consist of a green trip to Ireland. Go on walks along the ocean, through the forests and atop the cliffs. Ireland's natural beauty is stunning and should be preserved. Ecotourism groups in Ireland may appreciate the hospitality of the locals, as they provide locally produced food and offer shelter in an eco-friendly guesthouse. Solar-powered hot water and geo-thermal underfloor heating are a part of the eco-friendly lifestyle. This is just one suggested ecotourism trip in Ireland. Research to find various options.

South Africa's wildlife has in the past been threatened by hunters and poachers. Thanks to ecotourism, it is becoming much more common for people to aim toward protecting, rather than endangering wildlife. An ecotourism tour in South Africa might involve an eco-safari. In this adventure, eco-travelers can have the opportunity to take photographs of some of the most diverse and interesting wildlife in the world. The vast and protected lands are truly a wondrous sight. Natural colors of the fall season can also add to this one-of-a-kind ecotourism experience.

If you'd rather stay closer to home, there still are many ecotourism options. Think of becoming a volunteer to help clean up public areas such as city sidewalks and fields. Lakes and streams also can become polluted, especially in more populous areas. Do your part by not littering and also by helping to clean up these areas. This is a great way to get to know neighbors. Organize groups of people to work together in these eco-friendly efforts. There are many options available for ecotourism, both far and near. Location is not near as important as how far you are willing to stretch your personal efforts.

Sources:
http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/south_africa/
http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/ireland/tourism_pure_ireland.php
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2169355/travel_close_to_home_and_still_travel.html