Welcome to the “in between” season. It’s not summer, but it’s not quite fall, and winter is pushing its way closer. I always feel like this “in between” time is crunch time. We are seeing fewer warm days, and the threat of early winter is getting closer. This always makes me want to get out my fall checklist and get cracking. Here are my favorite things to do during this “in between” time. One, take walks in the woods. Two, put on a sweatshirt and enjoy looking at the stars one evening without mosquitoes. And three, get outside and take advantage of the beautiful sunny afternoons before the time change takes our afternoons and makes them feel like early evenings at 5:00 p.m.
The one thing I love during this time is walking in the woods. All your senses will be on high alert this time of year. Smell the leaves drying out. Feel the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet. Listen to the rustle of the leaves still hanging in the trees and look up at all the beautiful colors. Fall in Nebraska is beautiful. We have a red maple tree in our front yard. Each year, it slowly starts to change from green to yellow to bright red. I cross my fingers every year, hoping we get to see the full transformation. So many years, the cold and winds come on so fast that the leaves drop before they can fully change.
The next activity on my fall list is to sit outside and look at the stars in just a sweatshirt, with zero mosquitoes ruining the evening. It’s rare that we get a chance to enjoy the cooler weather without those little pests. There is only a small window of time when we can enjoy the cooler evenings before it jumps straight to parka weather. I know I’m sounding a bit “whiny” about the cold weather. I’ll admit, I’m a fall weather person. I don’t mind winter. It’s pretty and all, but cool fall evenings are so much better than freezing temperatures.
The last, and maybe the best, activity is to soak up the afternoon sun. That beautiful sunshine we get at 5:00 before the time changes! The afternoon sun in the fall feels so warm and crisp. It’s the perfect excuse to take a walk, sit on the porch, or find a reason to stay outside just a little longer.
But here’s the thing about this “in between” season: it’s also a great time to learn something new. Have you ever taken a walk and really paid attention to what is happening around you? Why are some leaves changing color before others? Where have all the insects gone? What birds are still around, and which ones have started their journey south? What happens to the trees and plants as the temperatures drop?
These are the kinds of questions that can turn an ordinary afternoon into a learning experience. You don't need a classroom, fancy equipment, or even a planned activity. Sometimes, all you need is a little curiosity and time to explore. That is one of the things I love about 4-H. Learning doesn't have to happen at a meeting, in a classroom, or while preparing a project for the county fair. It can happen on a walk through the woods, while taking pictures of fall colors, or while sitting outside and watching the world change around us. These simple activities help young people practice observation, problem-solving, and asking questions. They also remind us that learning can be fun, hands-on, and part of everyday life. Those are the kinds of experiences we encourage through 4-H.
Nebraska's “in between” season doesn't last long. Before we know it, the sweatshirts will be traded for winter coats, the leaves will be gone, and we will be looking for the next signs of spring. Until then, I'm going to enjoy every bit of fall sunshine I can find. And if you see me outside in a sweatshirt, looking up at the stars without a mosquito in sight, you'll know I'm checking one more thing off my fall list.
4-H enrollment is now open. Let us help you find a club to join or if you are interested in starting your own, we can help with that too. Your local Extension Office has access to guides of all kinds for this fun project. If your child wants to learn more, reach out to us or any Extension Office. If you have questions on 4-H enrollment or on any of the project ideas listed, please contact the Buffalo County Extension Office at (308)236-1235 or you can email me directly at hdarby2@unl.edu for more information.