Wetlands are Wonderful - NWF Green Hour

The water’s edge is a great place to be on a warm day -whether the ocean or lake, a river, stream, or creek!

Let’s Get Started

If you are heading to a nearby waterway this Memorial Day, here are seven terrific ways to explore any shore.

Seek treasures. Waves toss up all kinds of interesting things -pretty shells, polished pebbles, smooth beach glass, or driftwood. Enjoy them and then leave them for others to enjoy too.

Listen to music. The waves, wind, and birds together make a wonderful peaceful sound.

Get your feet wet. Take off your shoes, wiggle bare toes, and wade right in to (check with an adult first to be sure it’s safe).

Look for creatures. Watch shore birds dive and ducks swim, Dig into a sandy beach for clams, look for crabs, sea urchins, and more. In freshwater find fish water bugs, frogs crayfish, mussels, and other animals.

Follow footprints. Look for animal tracks left in sand or mud. How many creatures have come this way?

Skip stones. How many times can you make a flat rock hop across the water?

Race a boat. Make tiny rafts or boats from leaves or sticks and send them downstream or out to sea. You can even have a boat race or contest to see which one goes the farthest.

Water isn’t just rivers and lakes. You may find other bodies of water like ponds, streams, and creeks right in your own neighborhood. Are you finding even smaller water sources for wildlife like puddles?

Document Your Discoveries

Bonus: Show us your water fun on social media by using the hashtag #GreenHour.