This morning a group of children from a nearby daycare center in west Tokyo was out enjoying a walk. Some schools have closed. Check and follow the guidelines from your country’s department of health or its center of disease control. (U.S.)

We’re all told not to touch our faces and eyes and mouth without washing our hands first. And to keep distance from humans.

Many of us are self-isolating and most of us are social distancing. But we can still get out in nature. Run and play. Or sit and watch. Take note. Draw pictures. Write poems. Or read some.

In your own backyard. Watch out for bugs. It’s spring and they’re waking up. Identify them here. Trees are blooming and leafing. Birds are on the move. Set up an account at the U.S.A. National Phenology Network’s Nature’s Notebook or these international sites; iNaturalist or Budburst or Cornell’s eBird. Take photos to upload to help scientists’ research. Celebrate Urban Birds.

Plan a garden. Plant seeds. Check The Old Farmer’s Almanac Kids.

Walk through nature. Through the neighborhood. Through a park.

Too crowded? Don’t feel you want to venture out? Observe nature from the window. What birds visit? Don’t know, check All About Birds or Audobon Bird Guide App.

Look up. Observe clouds. Take photos. Join a cloudspotter group at The Cloud Appreciation Society.

Chart time by the movement of the sun through the house. Where’s morning light? Afternoon? Sunset? You may get hooked and want to track it through the seasons. You may want to follow your shadow outside. Or make a sun clock.

Want a change in weather? Listen here.  Or a change in scenery?

Prepare for Earth Hour on March 28 and Earth Day on April 22.

Connect with the world through Nature for All.

Take virtual trips to botanical gardens or national parks near and far. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook. Sign up for their newsletters.

Stay well.

Update: This came out the day after I posted on Here and There Japan. From Children & Nature Network (C&NN.) I’ve been following this site for years. Richard Louv offers 10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family through the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Children & Nature Network C&NN

C&NN Finding Nature

further update of resources: Share your ideas using the hashtag #findingnature

Check out activities for National Park Week 2020

C&NN’s The Ecologist School