Who knew (probably a lot of people!): miscellania is an island kingdom in the game of RuneScape; miscellanea is “a collection of miscellaneous . . . objects or writings.” M-W online.
Nature backpacks available at Cape Breton libraries this summer (author: Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith for CBC Nova Scotia)
The Cape Breton Regional Library put a new twist on its book loan program this summer.
Along with that romance or thriller, members can also borrow a themed backpack that includes laminated brochures and books on the identification of sea life or seashells, as well as activity suggestions and a bucket and shovel.
“The instructions in the bag do say, ‘Please return clean and dry,’’’ said Erin Phillips, Victoria County Libraries supervisor with the Cape Breton Regional Library.
But Philips acknowledged there will likely be some sand also returned to the library.
There are six themes to the new nature backpacks, including bird watching, insects, night sky, in the forest, the beach and wild crafting.
For example, the crafting backpack includes books on finding and cooking wild edibles, nature journaling and flower pressing.
Binoculars, walking trail maps and books on birdhouses and bird identification are included in the birdwatching backpack.
“It really helps to enrich your outdoor experience, I think, when you can have the books and the information to learn,” said Phillips.
“We are all about reading and learning at the library, but we also do want to encourage a more all-encompassing style of learning — not just book learning, but really hands-on learning.”
Anyone with a library card can borrow one of the 15 the backpacks from any of the 12 regional library branches.
“They are more designed for individual or family use, not so much for a large group,” said Phillips.
The project received $2,000 from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. (image: from article)
A quick search revealed that themed backpacks designed to get kids outside are offered by library systems big and small. From Milford, CT to San Diego. Nature Centers, and State Parks.
Wonder if my library card would work . . .
Lorraine's frilly freudian slip 
June 6, 2019 at 8:24 am
oohhhhh! I wanna go! Damn, isn’t this way cool? Smart. Interesting. Engaging.
(like why do I want to live in C.B.? [I have no clue]) …
although I do wonder, if some of the books might end up a bit on the “less than fresh” side, after said adventures/explorations – but what a wonderful idea – an inclusive way to have some simple tools on hand to aid in one’s wanderings – and to be able to stop and learn, right in the moment? Brilliant idea. :D
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June 6, 2019 at 9:23 am
I had no idea such a program existed until this morning. I get several CBC e-letters during the week, including the one for NS.
I am writing to the sound of f’king tree downers. The town has decided to demolish all the trees on several streets around my place. Sure, some were pulling up the sidewalk with their roots, but this is full scale slaughter! Same outfit that grew from two trucks when I first moved here in 2006, to an entire fleet, and cut down all the trees in my beloved park. Then, all they do is chip the wood and sell it as mulch! What does the town get?
We have a shade tree commission — supposedly as we have an arbor day org. tree city designation. I think it’s the unshade tree shady commission whose chairman is no doubt either the nephew of our mayor or Mr. Big at the tree removal company.
Oh, and I rant.
How was your coffee?
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June 6, 2019 at 10:32 am
rant away!
it’s one thing to assess threats, and potential damages/destruction, and more importantly, tree health — but then, usually, when said studies are done, they will choose maintenance as opposed to mass clear-cutting; I guess it depends on the city’s council, planners, and parks/road departments, and as you know, often one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing, or is too busy greasing palms. 😠😒
I would hope, that at the very least, they do have a “re-plan(t)” action in mind. I suppose I could understand if they were doing much needed and necessary road-work/repair, i.e. sidewalks etc. – but in our “new + improved” world, we now have better choices for “city” trees – less root destruction, etc. And yesterday was #BeatAirPollution/World Environment Day?! Sheesh.
don’t you have a local council person or something you can speak to, – to at least get more feedback as to why they’re proceeding as they are?! sheesh!
Coffee was “marginally good” — had to multi-task (still am) – so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d have liked too – so I’m going to make some fresh within the next 20 minutes or so.
I hope, at the very least, your coffee was most appeasing and appetite/palate pleasing 😄
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June 6, 2019 at 11:00 am
Coffee wasn’t bad.
All that happens in this town is a mystery . . . I’m in the process of writing a potentially less nutbarish email to you. I will tell you more about the secret circle of those who know . . .
Now, I am getting ready to go to an arboretum for a taste of trees this afternoon.
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June 6, 2019 at 11:38 am
I hope you most enjoy your outing – it sounds absolutely delightful :D
and nutbar emails are fine too ;)
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