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Fresh Air Fridays

Find links, resources, and activities to get kids outside! This page and its resources have been produced in collaboration with Rogue River Watershed Council. This series will be shared collaboratively on both @rogueriverwc and @jacksonsoilwaterconservation (Instagram) as well as each organization's Facebook.

 

Promotional image for "Fresh Air Friday" with activities to get kids outside, by Rogue River Watershed Council and Jackson Soil & Water.

 

3/14/25 - Cloud Watching and the Water Cycle

Explore the sky by cloud watching, learn about the water cycle, or try a quick science experiment!

Cloud Formation, Water Cycle Activities, Cloud in a Bottle, Bill Nye & the Water Cycle, Water Cycle Video

"Fresh Air Friday" promotes cloud watching and the water cycle with outdoor activities and a cloud jar experiment for kids.
Cloud Watching and the Water Cycle
Cloud types chart showing high, mid, and low clouds, descriptions and link for more info.
Cloud Watching
Illustration of the water cycle with activities, facts, and video recommendations for learning about water processes.
Water Cycle
Instructions to make a cloud in a jar using warm water, smoke particles, and ice. Includes steps to create and observe the cloud.
Cloud in a Bottle
"Fresh Air Friday" promotes cloud watching and the water cycle with outdoor activities and a cloud jar experiment for kids.
Cloud types chart showing high, mid, and low clouds, descriptions and link for more info.
Illustration of the water cycle with activities, facts, and video recommendations for learning about water processes.
Instructions to make a cloud in a jar using warm water, smoke particles, and ice. Includes steps to create and observe the cloud.

3/21/25 - Drip Drop Detectives - Build Your Own Rain Gauge

Explore rain cycles right in your own backyard. Build your own rain gauge and track rainfall like a meteorologist-in-training! A fun and easy way to connect with nature.

Instructions to make a DIY rain gauge for kids, using a bottle, rocks, ruler, and marker in "Fresh Air Friday" activity.
Rain Gauge Page 1
Instructions for building a rain gauge, tracking rainfall data, comparing measurements, and engaging in scientific activities.
Rain Gauge Page 2
Instructions to make a DIY rain gauge for kids, using a bottle, rocks, ruler, and marker in "Fresh Air Friday" activity.
Instructions for building a rain gauge, tracking rainfall data, comparing measurements, and engaging in scientific activities.

 

3/28/25 -  Textures of Natures

Create an interactive scavenger hunt exploring the different textures of nature- can you find something soft, something rough, something pokey? Here are some resources to help you explore outside!

Printing with Leaves, How-To Video : Texture Collage

"Fresh Air Friday: Ideas to get kids outside exploring textures in nature. Activities to explore backyard textures. Rogue River Watershed."
Texture scavenger hunt guide with images of nature textures like pinecones, bark, leaves, and flowers for kids to explore and sort.
Nature art with leaves and materials on cardboard and fabric, promoting creativity using natural textures for sculptures and prints.
Image showing common textures: moss, bark, spruce/pine needles, rocks/gravel, algae, and leaves.
"Fresh Air Friday: Ideas to get kids outside exploring textures in nature. Activities to explore backyard textures. Rogue River Watershed."
Texture scavenger hunt guide with images of nature textures like pinecones, bark, leaves, and flowers for kids to explore and sort.
Nature art with leaves and materials on cardboard and fabric, promoting creativity using natural textures for sculptures and prints.
Image showing common textures: moss, bark, spruce/pine needles, rocks/gravel, algae, and leaves.

 

 

 

4/4/25 - Bug Hotel!

Head outside and create a cozy spot for helpful bugs! This fun DIY gets kids exploring nature and learning about pollinators, decomposers, and soil helpers.

Bug curious? Check out pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide for a fun ID guide

Promotional flyer for "Fresh Air Friday" with steps to build a bug hotel, including materials needed.
Instructions and examples for making a DIY bug hotel using various materials and containers to attract insects.
Promotional flyer for "Fresh Air Friday" with steps to build a bug hotel, including materials needed.
Instructions and examples for making a DIY bug hotel using various materials and containers to attract insects.

 

 

4/11/25 - Watershed Guardians

This week, we bring to you a meaningful activity you can do as an individual, family, or with your community. Watershed cleanups are an excellent way to give back and make sure your drinking water stays clean for everyone downstream. 
 

"Fresh Air Friday: Ideas to get kids outside with Watershed Guardians. Encourages litter cleanup and teaching kids about nature."
Guide for supervising a kid's clean-up: select safe spots, use gloves, provide bags, teach collecting, discuss litter impact, reward efforts.
Flyer for Bear Creek Stewards Day on April 19, 9am-12pm. Lists 2025 clean-up sites; register at stream-smart.com.
Educational resources on reducing water pollution, promoting reduce, reuse, recycle tips for kids. Includes a website link.
Logo with mountains, trees, and a sunset, titled "Watershed Guardian" with a blank space for awardee's name.
"Fresh Air Friday: Ideas to get kids outside with Watershed Guardians. Encourages litter cleanup and teaching kids about nature."
Guide for supervising a kid's clean-up: select safe spots, use gloves, provide bags, teach collecting, discuss litter impact, reward efforts.
Flyer for Bear Creek Stewards Day on April 19, 9am-12pm. Lists 2025 clean-up sites; register at stream-smart.com.
Educational resources on reducing water pollution, promoting reduce, reuse, recycle tips for kids. Includes a website link.
Logo with mountains, trees, and a sunset, titled "Watershed Guardian" with a blank space for awardee's name.

 

4/18/25 - Build a Rain Garden!


Let’s turn those spring showers into superpowers—for nature! Build a mini rain garden to soak up stormwater, help local pollinators, and keep our streams clean. 

Plant native all-stars like Douglas aster, Oregon iris, and slough sedge—they love wet weather and help filter runoff naturally. 

Find a spot where rain flows, dig a shallow basin, plant, and watch it grow!

Image gallery image
Flyer for "Fresh Air Friday" by Rogue River Watershed Council on building a rain garden with steps included.
Choosing a Location: Do place it downhill, 10ft from buildings, where soil drains. Avoid areas with pooling water, on utilities, under trees.
Benefits and working of rain gardens: reduce pollution, prevent flooding, support wildlife, and beautify yards by filtering water.
Guide for selecting plants: flowers/pollinators, grasses/groundcovers, and small shrubs, with descriptions and growing conditions.
Smiling sun with arms and legs beside a sign: "Get Outside and Have Fun!" in a grassy field with flowers.
Image gallery image
Flyer for "Fresh Air Friday" by Rogue River Watershed Council on building a rain garden with steps included.
Choosing a Location: Do place it downhill, 10ft from buildings, where soil drains. Avoid areas with pooling water, on utilities, under trees.
Benefits and working of rain gardens: reduce pollution, prevent flooding, support wildlife, and beautify yards by filtering water.
Guide for selecting plants: flowers/pollinators, grasses/groundcovers, and small shrubs, with descriptions and growing conditions.
Smiling sun with arms and legs beside a sign: "Get Outside and Have Fun!" in a grassy field with flowers.