Explore nature in your backyard and beyond with a backpack full of tools and activities from the Library District and community partners. Nature Bags for children and families will be available starting March 1 on a first-come, first-served basis at all library locations. Each household can claim one bag while supplies last.
Each bag contains:
- Family nature journal to jot down notes and drawings of your discoveries.
- Sun-printing paper to make prints of your outdoor finds like leaves and flowers.
- Pocket magnifying glass to get a closer look at local flora and fauna.
- Seed Library packet for planting something new.
The Nature Bag is created in partnership with the Florida Museum of Natural History, Alachua Audubon Society, City of Gainesville, and University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Extension.
The Take & Make program is supported by a donation in celebration of Suzanne Stockdale’s 75th birthday.
Nature Resources
- Nature Books for Families
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Help children explore their outdoor surroundings with these titles. The books selected by our Youth Services team include projects, activities, and ideas for making backyard discoveries and scientific learning. Check out these print and digital books with your library card.
- Seed Library
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The Seed Library is where we share free seeds and gardening tips with all gardeners, new and experienced. The ACLD Seed Library offers vegetable, herb, and flower seeds for pick up at any library location. The selection changes throughout the year based on donations. Learn more at www.aclib.us/seed-library
- Creativebug
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Check out Creativebug to learn about drawing, painting, and journaling to keep a nature journal of all of your discoveries. Try a crafty nature activity with easy tutorials from this resource for all your arts and crafts projects. We recommend starting with these three videos:
- World Book
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Want to learn more about a particular bird or plant you discover in your backyard or local park? Search World Book, our digital encyclodia with articles for all ages.
Take & Make: Nature Bags
Nature Tales
Join us on Zoom and Facebook to learn new ways to explore Alachua County’s natural wonders!
Birding 101 with the Alachua Audubon Society
Alachua County is prime bird-watching country. In this introduction to birding, you’ll learn about the colorful world of birds, how to identify different species, and how to attract feathered friends to your home.
Presented by Board Member Jacob Ewert of the Alachua Audubon Board of Directors
Backyard Butterflies and Bugs with the Daniels Lab at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity
Florida Museum scientists will share bugs and butterflies found in their backyards and show you how to conduct a backyard bug hunt. They’ll also share what you can do at home to help our native insect pollinators.
Presented by Conservation Coordinator Kristin Rossetti and Lab Technician Matt Standridge.