5 Ways to Teach Kids About the Environment

April 11th, 2019

One of Shearwater’s founding principles is stewardship of the land. Homes were built with the environment in mind, and include eco-friendly features like water-efficient appliances, better insulation and hardy, natural landscaping that requires less frequent watering. And Shearwater was designed to make it easy for residents to commune with nature, with 15 miles of nature trails and multiple pocket parks throughout.

Everyone should do their part to preserve our beautiful Florida landscape. Teaching kids about the environment and the importance of reducing our impact on ecosystems is key to making sure our beaches, marshes and mangroves can be enjoyed for generations to come. Here are a few fun, easy ways to get kids excited about the environment:

  1. At Home

    Especially with young children, it’s important to make learning fun – they’re more likely to remember an experience than a lesson. Make recycling a game and encourage them to sort items properly. Foster a love for nature by getting them outside exploring. It’s also important to teach them the importance of conserving our resources, and encourage them to do little things like turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth, and turning out the light when they leave a room

  2. At Shearwater

    There are tons of learning opportunities at Shearwater. Take a walk along the trails to spot local wildlife, and use it at a chance to talk about the importance of preserving their habitats. Reserve a spot in the Community Garden to grow your own food. You could even take advantage of the composting bins to reduce food waste and nourish your garden with the rich compost!

  3. Shearwater 5K on the Trails

    Have a more active kiddo? Join us on April 27th for our annual 5K on the Trails and Fun Run/Walk. It’s our way of celebrating Earth Day and healthy living. After the race, stick around to enjoy snacks, games and other activities. Make sure to register by April 26th to participate!

  4. Museum of Science and History

    An afternoon at MOSH is sure to be packed with learning! This hands-on kids’ museum features a variety of exhibits that focus on the coastal creatures native to Florida, the importance of renewable energy and local vegetation. Their exhibits are designed to get kids engaged, plus encourage awareness and preservation of the region’s native species.

  5. Beaches Earth Day 2019

    There’s no better day of the year to celebrate the environment than Earth Day! The whole family will love this free event. There will be special activities just for kids, live music, food tastings and educational talks on saving our native species of plants and animals.

Interested in learning more about the lifestyle at Shearwater? Schedule a tour to see it all firsthand, or join our Interest List to receive news and updates.