Hey, Bunny Friends! Depending on how long you’ve been receiving these love letters from me, you may or may not know about the Artesian Nature Coalition. I put together a Granny Bunny newsletter about it for you about two years ago if my memory is correct. In it I explained, “my children and grandchildren are the caretakers of an exceedingly beautiful spot on this wondrous planet, as you can see by the photo above. Together, they have discovered something even more compelling than video games, more fascinating than television, and more uplifting for the soul than a sermon. That “something” is creation itself. The magic of a snake, the beauty in a pond, the life of a squirrel, the night sky, and so much more.” The Artesian Nature Coalition is a pretend organization I invented as an umbrella over all the nature projects and events Keith and I do with our grandkids. The Artesian Nature Coalition is also a real website I made for them that holds our stories, photos, experiments, projects, and nature challenges. Our activties were mostly limited to Springs and Summers. Now with sports, school, clubs, sleepovers, hobbies, etc., it’s hard to lure them into hanging out with Granny and Paw. My recourse is to present them with opportunities and if any of them light a spark, I fan the flames. Since Spring is seemingly upon us early, I’m cooking up some offerings in the nature department and had a few things you might want to try depending how old your kids/grandkids are. I started first looking at the month of March and thought I’d use this issue to share my ideas. I think our shared goal is to give the kids we love the gift of reverence and awe for nature. If you’d like to read more about the Artesian Nature Coalition and some of our projects, click HERE. — Mary

P.S. In case you were hoping to see some St. Pat’s or Easter stuff this month, scroll to the bottom of this letter and check out the last few topic blocks.

C’mon! Who doesn’t love getting a little sticky once in awhile? Both of my daughters and their families have tapped their trees and made syrup each Spring for the past few years. It’s fantastic! March marks the beginning of maple syrup season in Wisconsin, offering a special opportunity for families to connect with nature and learn the art of tapping maple trees to make delicious syrup. To help you get started here's Granny Bunny’s step-by-step guide on the traditional skill of tree tapping. (Note: If you’re not from Wisconsin, check when the sap starts to run in your area trees).

HOW TO TAP YOUR MAPLE TREES

Supplies Needed for Tapping:

• Maple Trees: Identify maple trees in your area, preferably sugar maple (Acer saccharum) trees. These trees produce sap with a higher sugar content, ideal for making syrup.

• Drill with Drill Bit: Use a drill with a 5/16-inch drill bit to create holes in the maple trees for tapping.

• Tapping Spouts (Spiles): Purchase or make tapping spouts, also known as spiles, to insert into the drilled holes. These spouts will collect sap from the trees.

• Collection Containers: Prepare collection containers to hang from the tapping spouts and collect the sap. Food-grade buckets are the cutest and look old timey but the bag containers work so much easier. It depends on how adorable you want your yard to look.

• Hammer or Mallet: You will use a hammer or mallet to gently tap the tapping spouts into the drilled holes.

• Lid or Cover: If you use collection containers you’ll need lids or covers to prevent debris from falling into the sap.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tapping:

• Choose Suitable Trees: Select healthy maple trees with a diameter of at least 10 inches. Avoid trees that have been tapped too frequently or show signs of disease or distress.

• Drill Holes: With the drill and 5/16-inch drill bit, carefully drill holes approximately 2 inches deep into the maple trees at a slight upward angle. Space the holes at least 6 inches apart and avoid drilling too close to previous tap holes.

• Insert Tapping Spouts: Gently tap the tapping spouts into the drilled holes using a hammer or mallet. Ensure the spouts fit snugly into the holes to prevent leaks.

• Hang Collection Containers: Hang the collection containers from the tapping spouts, positioning them securely beneath each spout to catch the dripping sap.

• Monitor Sap Flow: Check the collection containers regularly to monitor the flow of sap. Sap typically flows best during warm, sunny days and freezes at night.

• Collect Sap: Once the collection containers are filled with sap, remove them from the tapping spouts and transfer the sap to a storage container for syrup making.

Once you've successfully tapped your maple trees, it’s time to make your maple syrup. Granny Bunny’s got you covered with another helpful guide so you can better convince your kids that you know what you’re doing.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MAPLE SYRUP

Supplies Needed for Making Maple Syrup:

• Maple Sap: Use the collected maple sap from the tapped trees as the primary ingredient for making syrup.

• Large Cooking Pot: Use a large cooking pot or evaporator pan to boil the sap and evaporate the water content.

• Candy Thermometer: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sap during the boiling process.

• Strainer or Cheesecloth: Use a strainer or cheesecloth to remove any impurities or sediment from the sap.

• Storage Containers: Prepare clean, sterilized containers for storing the finished maple syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Syrup:

• Filter Sap: Strain the collected sap through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove any debris or impurities.

• Boil Sap: Pour the filtered sap into a large cooking pot or evaporator pan and place it over a heat source. Boil the sap until it reaches a temperature of 219°F (104°C) or until it reaches the desired consistency and sweetness.

• Monitor Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sap as it boils. Be cautious, as hot syrup can cause burns.

• Skim Foam: Skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface of the boiling sap.

• Test for Doneness: To test if the syrup is ready, drip a small amount of syrup onto a cold plate. If it forms a soft ball or reaches the desired thickness, it is ready to be removed from the heat.

• Cool and Store: Allow the syrup to cool slightly before pouring it into sterilized storage containers. Seal the containers tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Good job!

It's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Drizzle the delicious homemade syrup over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or use it as a natural sweetener in recipes. Please make enough to share your homemade maple syrup with family and friends to spread the joy! The photo above is of the fancy bottling my oldest daughter’s family do for the portion of their syrup they give as Christmas gifts. Below is a close-up of their label.

Tapping maple trees and making syrup is a rewarding activity that not only teaches some very cool heritage skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment. So, go for it! Peel your kids away from their phones, venture outdoors, and embark on this sweet adventure together!

P.S. I just have to give a shout-out to the drippy syrup-like font. I just love artistic fonts!

As March’s lion turns into a lamb and the weather warms, it's the perfect time to introduce your wee ones to the enchanting world of mud pie kitchens. An outdoor play area like this provides kids with a sensory-rich environment where they can explore, create, and engage in some pretty exciting and imaginative play. In her guide, Granny Bunny will walk you through the steps of setting up a mud pie kitchen. She also shares some delightful recipes with fun names to inspire your kids’ culinary adventures.

SETTING UP YOUR MUD PIE KITCHEN

Choose the Perfect Location: Find a suitable spot in your backyard or outdoor play area for the mud pie kitchen. Look for an area with easy access to water, natural materials like dirt and sand, and preferably some shade to keep your little ones comfortable during playtime.

Gathering Materials: Collect an assortment of child-safe materials and containers for the mud pie kitchen, such as old pots and pans, wooden spoons, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and utensils. Second-hand resale stores are usually loaded with options for you. You can also add nature elements like rocks, sticks, leaves, and flowers to enhance the sensory experience.

Create Workstations: Set up different stations within the mud pie kitchen for various activities, such as mixing, pouring, and decorating. Arrange materials in an organized manner (even though we both know they won’t stay organized for long). Even so, it’s good to start play with organized materials to encourage independent exploration and creativity. Otherwise, kids may rely too heavily on you for direction.

Provide Access to Water: Ensure easy access to water for mud mixing and cleanup. You can set up a small water table, buckets, or jugs filled with water nearby, along with a gentle hose or watering can for refilling as needed.

Safety First: Before introducing your child to the mud pie kitchen, establish some ground rules for safe play. Remind them to wash their hands before and after playing, avoid putting mud or other materials in their mouths, no throwing mud, and be mindful of potential hazards like sharp objects or plants with prickers.

(Note: I think it makes it more of a memory if you lead your kids to the mud pie kitchen for the first time with them wearing blind-folds).

MUD PIE KITCHEN RECIPES

To get your mud bakers off on the right foot, perhaps share these recipe ideas with them. When they make their own concoctions, ask for the fancy name of their creation and have them describe the ingredients. Magical properties for their bakery are also a fun addition. These are great opportunities to encourage creative thinking. Here are some starter recipes.

Chocolate Swamp Cake: Mix mud with water and a sprinkle of cocoa powder to create a gooey chocolatey mixture. Shape it into cake-like rounds and decorate with flower petals or small stones for a delectable treat. Magic: This cake lets birds understand our language.

Berry Bliss Pie: Combine mud with crushed berries to make a colorful pie filling. Use leaves or sticks as makeshift pie crusts and top with flower petals for extra sweetness. Magic: This pie stops spiders from biting.

Fairy Forest Stew: Gather an assortment of nature materials such as acorns, pinecones, and leaves to create a magical forest stew. Mix them with mud and water in a large pot, stirring with wooden spoons to concoct a forest brew fit for fairies. Magic: If you leave the stew in a bowl by a tree, the fairies who live in the tree will love you.

PROTECTING KIDS CLOTHES

Play Clothes: Encourage children to wear old clothes or aprons that can get dirty during mud pie kitchen adventures. Choose things that are easy to wash and won't be ruined by mud stains.

Rubber Boots and Gloves: Equip kids with rubber boots and gardening gloves to keep their feet and hands clean and protected while playing in the mud. If it’s warm enough, bare feet and hands are fun too.

Cleanup Station: Set up a designated cleanup station near the mud pie kitchen with towels, wet wipes, and a basin of soapy water for washing hands and wiping down muddy surfaces. Again, if it’s warm enough, spray the kids clean with a hose for some extra giggles.

Pre-treatment for Stains: Apply a pre-treatment stain remover to clothing before washing to help lift mud stains more effectively.

By setting up a mud pie kitchen and introducing your favorite kids to the joys of outdoor sensory play, you're not only fostering their creativity and imagination but you’re providing valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. So, roll up your sleeves and embrace the mess! There’s not many things as exciting as a mom with muddy hands!

Planting seeds is a great March activity to do with kids. Because March weather is so fickle, it might be best to start some plants in the house and move them to an outside garden later in the Spring. Your call based on weather forecasts.

PLANTING SEEDS WITH KIDS

As the days grow longer and the promise of spring beckons, gardening becomes a delightful activity for families to enjoy together. Starting seeds indoors is a practical way to kick-start your garden while teaching kids valuable lessons about plant life cycles and responsibility. Here's a step-by-step guide to planting flower and vegetable seeds with your kids, along with three easy-to-grow varieties from each category.

Supplies Needed:

• Seed Packets: Choose a selection of flower and vegetable seeds suited to your growing zone and preferences.

• Seed Starting Trays or Pots: Use seed starting trays or small biodegradable pots filled with potting soil for sowing seeds indoors.

• Potting Soil: Select a high-quality potting mix formulated for seed starting to provide seeds with the nutrients they need to germinate and grow.

• Watering Can or Spray Bottle: Use a watering can or spray bottle to gently water the soil without disturbing the seeds.

• Labels: Help your kids label each tray or pot with the name of the plant variety and the date of planting to keep track of seedlings as they grow.

• Grow Lights or Sunny Windowsill: Ensure seeds receive adequate light for germination and growth either from a sunny windowsill or with the help of grow lights.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Choose Seeds: Involve your kids in selecting flower and vegetable seeds they find interesting and exciting to grow. Consider factors such as color, fragrance, and edibility when choosing varieties.

• Prepare Soil: Fill seed starting trays or pots with moistened potting soil, leaving about ¼ inch of space below the rim.

• Plant Seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packets for sowing depth and spacing. Encourage kids to gently press seeds into the soil using their fingers or a small tool.

• Water Seeds: Water the soil evenly until it is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to seed rot.

• Provide Light and Warmth: Place seed trays or pots in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights to facilitate germination. Most seeds require temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) for optimal germination.

• Monitor Growth: Check seed trays regularly for signs of germination, such as tiny seedlings emerging from the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the germination period.

• Transplant Seedlings: Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and outdoor temperatures have warmed, transplant them into the garden or larger containers outdoors.

EASY TO GROW FLOWERS

• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and petal shapes. Kids will delight in watching these towering beauties follow the sun's path across the sky.

• Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds are resilient annual flowers that produce cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are perfect for adding color to garden borders and attracting beneficial insects.

• Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus): Nasturtiums are edible flowers with vibrant blossoms in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Kids can enjoy both growing and tasting these peppery-flavored blooms in salads and sandwiches.

EASY TO GROW VEGETABLES

• Cherry Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme): Cherry tomatoes are prolific producers that thrive in containers or garden beds. Kids will love harvesting and snacking on these sweet, bite-sized fruits straight from the vine.

• Radishes (Raphanus sativus): Radishes are quick-growing vegetables that are perfect for impatient young gardeners. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be harvested in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.

• Lettuce (Lactuca sativa): Lettuce is a versatile and forgiving vegetable that can be grown from seed indoors or outdoors. Kids can enjoy picking tender leaves for salads and sandwiches throughout the growing season.

Planting seeds with kids is a wonderful way to foster a love of nature, teach valuable gardening skills, and instill a sense of responsibility. By starting seeds indoors and transplanting seedlings outdoors later in the spring, families can enjoy the process of nurturing plants from seed to harvest. So, gather your gardening supplies, get your hands dirty, and embark on a fun and educational gardening adventure with the kids this spring!

As Easter approaches, it’s time to prepare for the egg decorating. While store-bought dyes give you vibrant colors, why not take a more natural approach this year? Natural dyeing allows kids to explore the wonders of plant-based coloring while creating eco-friendly and beautiful eggs for your Easter celebration. Keith’s mom was a master of the art of natural dyeing, using plant materials such as onion skins, berries, and flowers to create stunning hues and patterns on her eggs. Granny Bunny also is a dyeing guru. Read on and enjoy her sage guidance.

GETTING STARTED

Gather Your Materials: You’ll need these supplies for natural dyeing:

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Various plant materials: see examples below

• White vinegar (to help set the dye)

• Water

• Stainless steel or enamel pots

• Strainer or cheesecloth

• Heat-safe containers or jars for dye baths

• Optional: rubber bands, twine, or leaves for patterns

Preparing the Dye: Start by preparing your natural dye baths. Here are a few examples of plant materials and the colors they can produce:

• Onion skins: yellow or orange

• Berries (such as blueberries or blackberries): purple or blue

• Turmeric powder: vibrant yellow

• Beetroot: pink or red

• Spinach or parsley: green

Creating the Dye Bath: In a stainless steel or enamel pot, combine your plant materials with water and a splash of vinegar (about 1 tablespoon per cup of water). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes to extract the dye color. Strain the liquid into heat-safe containers, discarding the plant materials.

Dyeing the Eggs: Once your dye baths are prepared, it's time to dye the eggs! Carefully lower hard-boiled eggs into the dye baths, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the eggs soak in the dye for at least 30 minutes to achieve good color. For deeper hues, you can leave them in the dye overnight in the refrigerator.

Creating Patterns and Designs: Get creative with patterns and designs by incorporating various techniques:

• Wrap eggs with rubber bands or twine before dyeing to create resist patterns.

• Place small leaves or flowers on the surface of the egg before dyeing to create natural prints.

• Use a wax crayon to draw designs on the eggs before dyeing to create wax resist patterns.

Finishing Touches: Once the eggs have reached the desired color, carefully remove them from the dye baths and place them on a paper towel to dry. For a glossy finish, rub them with a little vegetable oil.

BENEFITS OF NATURAL DYEING

Eco-Friendly: Natural dyeing reduces the environmental impact of traditional synthetic dyes, making it a sustainable choice for Easter egg decorating.

Educational: Natural dyeing offers kids an opportunity to learn about plants, colors, and the art of experimentation in a hands-on and engaging way.

More Projects: Kids can take what they learned and apply the natural dyeing process to fabrics.

Unique Results: Each natural dye bath produces subtly different shades and variations, resulting in one-of-a-kind Easter eggs that reflect the beauty of nature.

Natural dyeing is a delightful way to add a touch of creativity and eco-consciousness to your Easter celebrations. By exploring the art of natural dyeing with plant materials, kids can unleash their imaginations and create beautiful, sustainable Easter eggs that are as unique as they are colorful. So, gather your materials, get inspired by nature's palette, and let the dyeing adventure begin!

In March, nature enthusiasts across Wisconsin eagerly anticipate the arrival of migrating birds announcing the onset of spring. Because of its diverse habitats ranging from forests to wetlands, Wisconsin offers great opportunities to witness this annual miracle. Here's Granny Bunny’s guide to experiencing the vibrant spring migration of birds in the Badger State. (Note: If you don’t live here, you can still use a lot of the information that follows. Also, search online for the best places to birdwatch near you).

WISCONSIN SPRING BIRDWATCHING

Here are some of the hot birding locations where you and the kids should be able to see a good selection of migrating birds.

HORICON MARSH: Located in Dodge County, it is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States. During migration, the marsh becomes a hub of activity with flocks of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds making pit stops along their journey.

CREX MEADOWS WILDLIFE AREA: Located in northwest Wisconsin near Grantsburg, Crex Meadows is a vast expanse of wetlands and grasslands teeming with migratory birds. Visitors can explore numerous trails and observation platforms to spot sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and raptors.

BAY BEACH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Situated in Green Bay, this urban wildlife sanctuary offers accessible trails and boardwalks winding through a variety of habitats. During migration, visitors can observe a diverse array of songbirds, waterfowl, and migratory raptors.

SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER: Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Schlitz Audubon is a haven for birdwatchers seeking to witness spring migration. The center's expansive property features woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies attracting a wide range of migratory species.

KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST: With its rolling hills and mixed forests, the Kettle Moraine State Forest provides an ideal stopover for migrating birds. Explore trails such as the Ice Age Trail and keep an eye out for warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds passing through.

WHAT TO BRING

Binoculars: A pair of binoculars will enhance your birdwatching experience by allowing you to observe birds up close and in detail. Even if you have to borrow from family and friends, it’s really nice if each person has their own pair of binoculars or you waste a lot of time repositioning and refocusing them if you share.

Field Guide: Bring along a field guide or bird identification app to help you identify the various bird species you encounter. We use “Merlin.”

Camera or Smartphone: Capture memorable moments by photographing the colorful plumage and unique behaviors of migrating birds and birdwatching children.

Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during your birdwatching excursions with plenty of water and portable snacks. Think protein for the snacks so no one gets weepy or murderous.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking, as weather conditions can vary during spring in Wisconsin. (Vary? What am I saying? We are talking about Wisconsin and 360 degrees of possible weather on that roulette wheel! Bring a parka and a bikini).

MIGRATING BIRD WATCH LIST

These birds should all have high chances of being spotted in Wisconsin.

Sandhill Cranes: Look to the skies for the distinctive calls and graceful flight patterns of sandhill cranes as they migrate north to their breeding grounds.

Warblers: Keep an eye out for brightly colored warblers flitting among the treetops, including species such as yellow-rumped warblers, black-throated green warblers, and ovenbirds.

Waterfowl: Visit wetlands and lakeshores to observe a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, swans, and grebes, as they make their way to northern nesting grounds.

Raptors: Scan open fields and marshes for soaring raptors such as hawks, eagles, and falcons as they hunt for prey during migration.

Songbirds: Listen for the melodious songs of migratory songbirds such as orioles, thrushes, sparrows, and flycatchers as they arrive in Wisconsin to breed.

Spring migration offers an awesome glimpse into the wondrous journey of birds as they navigate vast distances. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a novice enthusiast, there are endless opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon up close. So, grab your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on an unforgettable adventure to experience the magic of spring bird migration.

P.S.
The Nature Conservancy has put together a wonderful article specifically about Wisconsin’s Spring migration. It gives great tips for seeing three categories of migrating birds 1) Waterfowl, 2) Waders, and 3) Songbirds. You can check it out HERE.

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ TO YA!

I thought you might enjoy some Granny Bunny Fun to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with the kids you love. In this letter, I’m spilling the tea on how to throw one of my favorite parties for kids. I’m also revealing a family secret: how to build a leprechaun trap. (I’ve caught four of the little guys since Valentine’s Day). You’ll also learn how to make naughty limericks a memorable part of any kid’s childhood. Of course, there are cookies too! This month, I share my Irish great-grandmother’s Leprechaun Shoe Cookies, complete with their own cookie poem. I give an update on the antics of Ugly Bugly the Witch Poet who will be celebrating her festivities at a pub in Dublin. And, finally, I tell you about a special grandmother. I hope you fell the Irish magic coming your way. Steal these ideas shamelessly. Nothing would make me happier. — Mary

Click HERE to access the St. Pat’s fun.

Hey, Bunny Friends! Below is a link to a previous love letter I devoted to Granny Bunny Easter ideas which, depending on your tolerance for craziness, might find their way into your Easter celebration for the kids you love. It was a trip down Memory Lane for me to write this. I sent a host of activities we did when I used to host our family’s annual Easter Party, ranging from Baby Chick Juggling to the Chubby Bunny contest. I also touched on Easter food with my two favorite cakes (super easy and super yummy). I also give you the framework for a Bunny Breakfast. I share my top secret list of the Ten Best Easter Movies for kids and how to build parties around them. I give you the details on our dangerous Full Contact Easter Egg Hunt, visits from the Easter Bunny, and I share Bunny Tails, the simplest dessert ever (of course, there is also a Bunny Tail poem). And if you can’t celebrate Easter in person, I share the Virtual Easter Egg Hunt we invented that even circumvented the Covid plague. And, finally, before I say good-bye, I offer you a Bonus IQ Test and get a little preachy. I hope you feel the Easter magic coming your way. — Mary

Just click HERE to unleash the rabbit!

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