A river runs through it…
Patch.com Post – August 2012
Family reunions call for equitable activities, meaning free activities, and nature is able to answer that call. My mother called a family reunion, so we ventured down to the river, all 22 of us, plus a dog, in search of arrowheads and other treasures. We had very young children and princesses in tow, along with several kids who don’t like to unplug for long.
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There was a moment of trepidation at the river’s edge, and then, in one glorious movement, everyone entered the shallow river, skipping rocks, flipping shells, happily exploring the river and it’s many wonders. Nature is the great equalizer and the great individualizer: we each found something unique, and completely compelling to do, to the point of ignoring the first pouring rain in a 90-day drought.
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Watch the way children play outdoors very carefully, it’s easier to discern their learning modalities outdoors than it is indoors. For example, if they are visual learners, they will be the first kids to spy the fish bones, or arrowheads. If they are auditory learners, they will be the first to hear the airplane overhead.
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When visiting a river with extended family, always bring paperclips with you, for with paperclips, you can make “crawdad catchers’ and keep everyone entertained for hours. To make a “crawdad catcher” simply unfold a paperclip into the shape of a fishhook, tie a piece string to it, and fix a bit of meat to it. Teenagers and toddlers alike can safely “fish” for crawdads, who pinch the meat with their claws and won’t let go, even when you lift them out of the water to watch their spiny legs claw frantically at thin air.
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The proper name for crawdad is crayfish, and surprisingly, Missouri is a biodiversity hotspot for them, largely due to our rivers, which are among the biggest and most beautiful spring-fed rivers in the world. Sadly, our rivers are under siege, from many point sources, including monster vehicles with enormous wheels, that crush delicate creatures in their wake.
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Who will speak for the truffulla trees and crawling things, if no one takes kids crawdad fishing?
If not you, then who?
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What you can do:
Take your kids “crawdad fishing” – and remember to bring your paper clips. Splash photos all over social media.
Start a family nature club – and bring all your friends crawdad fishing. Make sure they bring their cameras.
Find restaurants that serve crayfish and ask where the crayfish come from.
Join any number of worthy organizations, like Missouri Stream Team, and help clean up our rivers.
Green Spiral Tours
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