12 - Fall Beach Day 101: Sun-Safe, Sustainable, and Full of Fun!
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode, Forest Mum share some of the benefits of a family day at the beach, and some of our favourite strategies for fall beach visits that are fun, healthy, and sustainable. You’ll also discover some ideas for fun activities that will help you to connect with each other and to explore the ecosystems that surround you. Resources Used & Links Mentioned: Turn your nature exploration into a game with this fun activity for the beach. Get my and let the games begin! Contact & Social Media: Do you want more content like this? Something different? Do you have questions or...
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11 - Discover Ontario’s Unique Lizard!
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode, Forest Mum celebrates World Lizard Day (August 14) by exploring the fascinating world of Ontario’s only native lizard—the Five-Lined Skink! Join me as I explore the unique features, habitats, and conservation status of this small and elusive reptile. You'll also learn where to spot these skinks in Ontario’s parks and natural spaces, and how you can help protect this species. Resources Used & Links Mentioned: Information Interested in Five-Lined Skink conservation? Learn more and get involved through . Turn your nature...
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10 - Stay Safe in Summer Storms
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode I discuss different types of storms and other extreme weather that we may experience in the summer. I outline the characteristic of several weather extremes and how you can stay safe when they occur, whether you're inside or outside. I describe examples for some of the storm types and how people were affected by them. Do you have stories or tips to share about extreme summer weather? Send me DM on or or reach out through the contact page on my . Turn your nature exploration into a game. Get my and let the games begin! Subscribe on your favourite podcast app! ...
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9 - Finding Time to Get Outside
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode I share how I have been able to do more and to find more time for me and my family to get outside. I mention the online Freelance Summit from last summer where I learned about different tools and strategies to help freelancers and business owners. To find out more about this year's summit DM me "freelance summit" on or . To learn more about time management specialist Megan Sumrell's TOP Bootcamp from July 8-12, 2024, and to get the link to register check out Subscribe on your favourite podcast app!
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8 - Forest Bathing and Why You Should Try It
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode, I walk you through what forest bathing is and what it isn't. I share some studies that describe several different benefits to your health and well-being. I look at some risks you may encounter and how you can reduce them, as well as where you can go to find forested or treed areas no matter where you live. If you're looking for more details regarding how to protect yourselves against ticks or bears check out . Articles mentioned in this episode: Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Looking for easy ways to get outside away from screens? Get your own...
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7 - Total Eclipse of the Sun
The Forest Mum Podcast
Did you experience the total solar eclipe on Monday 8 April 2024? In this episode, I discuss the different types of solar eclipses and what this week's total ecipse was like for me and my family. Please subscribe so you don;t miss an episode of The Forest Mum Podcast. Need more ideas to get outside? Check out my .
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6 -Say No to Plastic Eggs
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode, I look at the origins of easter eggs and the easter bunny. I consider the reasons we often choose to use plastic eggs as decorations and for easter egg hunts and their environmental impacts. I suggest several reusable and/or biodegradable alternatives and how we can use them to help us have a fun and tasty Easter celebration while reducing our impacts on the environment. Get my Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode
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5 - Spring Dangers & What To Do About Them
The Forest Mum Podcast
Find out about three outdoor risks that you may encounter in the spring and what to do if you encounter them. You will also learn how to reduce your risk and play safe in the outdoors. If you would like more information about Spring Water Safety, the has some helpful resources. Find out more about bear safety: (Ontario, Black Bears) (Western Canada, includes Grizzly Bears) For more about ticks and Lyme Disease and other tickborne illnesses (Ontario Government) (Public Health Agency of Canada)
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4 - It's Sugaring Time!
The Forest Mum Podcast
It's sugaring time! In this episode we take a look at maple syrup. How it's made, the cultural context for the indigenous peoples who discovered it, and the annual ritual of visiting a sugarbush for many of us who have the privilege to live in maple syrup country. A trip to a sugarbush is great way to get outside with the family and connect with the land. Plus you get to eat some yummy maple syrup at the end of your visit! Find a producer near you:
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3 - Living Green in the New Year
The Forest Mum Podcast
In this episode I discuss how to create SMARTER goals to help you live a more sustainable life in 2024. I show you how to make achievable goals and break them down into steps and include them in your schedule to help you reach them. I recommend the if you need help with planning and organising. Share you goals and your actions with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date with what's going on in my world.
info_outlineIn this episode I introduce myself as the host of The Forest Mum Podcast and and why we should care about helping our kids and families interact with nature. I dip into some research and share some of my experiences as a teacher, environmental educator and mum.
Here are the studies that are discussed in the episode
Qwynne Lackey, N., Tysor, D.A., McNay, G.D., Joyner, L., Baker, K.H., & Hodge, C. (2021) Mental health benefits of nature-based recreation: a systematic review. Annals of Leisure Research, 24(3), 379-393. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2019.1655459
Soga, M., M. J. Evans, K. Tsuchiya, and Y. Fukano. (2021). A room with a green view: the importance of nearby nature for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ecological Applications 31(2):e02248. Retrieved December 26 from https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2248
Tillmann S, Tobin D, Avison W, & Gilliland, J. (2018). Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from https://jech.bmj.com/content/72/10/958