Wild Child: Balancing free exploration and respect for natural spaces
Jack-in-the-pulpit in Spring at Coldstream Conservation Area
I love this time of year when all the spring flowers and summer greenery briefly show up together. Every walk with my children is a new adventure and chance to discover something that has changed.
I find that this time also brings conflict for me. Do I let my little ones touch, and pick, and smell, and explore freely or do I spend every moment reminding them to be gentle and not hurt nature? How do I begin to find a happy compromise that honours the animals and plant life that call this space home, but builds the sense of wonder and love for this precious space that will let these little one grow up to defend it?
Since it works so well in other parts of our lives, we have settled on a red, yellow, and green approach.
Green
Plants that are common, healthy or invasive. Go ahead an pick one for your potion or to nibble as we walk. Plants like garlic mustard, dandelions, and plantain.
Yellow
Sensitive plants, ones that are easily disturbed or less common. Pick sparingly with a reason, only from a healthy group of plants, and be careful to leave enough for the animals. Plants like bloodroot.
Red
Red - species that are protected, at risk, or endangered. Leave them be and encourage their growth by being careful not to disturb their root systems. Plants like trilliums.
This system works particularly well for small children. Teaching children one or two green species that they can pick at will for “potions” and “stews” when playing, and pointing out the special plants we want to protect, allows them both freedom to play and builds a sense of caring and respect for the natural environment they are enjoying.
If we find ourselves in a situation where we don’t know what colour to use, we try to ask, “if everyone did what I'm doing, would it damage or effect this place negatively?”, and then act accordingly.
For more information on various species at risk, visit the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority website.
Written by Tandy Morton, WILD CHILD Playgroup Facilitator