This week’s Nature at Home Project is a Gratitude Tree. It’s one part arts and crafts, one part reflection, and one part a celebration that the trees are starting to grow leaves!

Make a Gratitude Tree

Let’s add leaves like the trees are doing, and create a Gratitude Tree. The idea is to write a love letter to nature, and take time to consider all that we have to be thankful for during Spring. This project has four easy steps, and lets you connect with friends and family from afar.

1. Create a trunk for your tree using construction paper. Tape it to a front window so neighbors can see your tree grow, or put it on a wall, the fridge, or anywhere at all!
2. Ask friends and family to send you answers to this question: “What do you love most about nature?” Note: feel free to tag “@OakHeritageConservancy” if you do this via social media posts. We’d love to see what folks are saying and cheer you on!
3. Use scratch paper, construction paper, sticky notes, etc. to make leaves. On each leaf, write one of the answers from #2. Feel free to add a little pizzazz to your leaves: color, doodle, add glitter, cut out shapes – whatever feels good.
4. Showcase your notes of gratitude: tape the leaves to your tree and watch it green up!

These are uncertain times – but one thing is always true: we need a connection to the natural world. In response to Covid-19, we are cancelling or postponing all in-person events. We look forward to spending time outside in nature with you later this year. But for right now: if you’re looking for some small projects to do while we Stay-at-Home, we’ve got you covered! Each week, we’ll post a new “Nature at Home”Nature at Home project for nature lovers of all ages. Check the “Events” page for new projects.