“Hey dragonfly, this is definitely not appropriate social distancing. We need to set a good example!”

Dart enjoying the sunshine at Staunton River Battlefield State Park

While the turtle captured in this moment is doing a great job showing us what not to do, he has an even more important job – as a Virginia State Park animal ambassador. His name is Dart, an eastern box turtle. He travels to local schools, libraries, and even farmer’s markets to educate the community about local wildlife. Many parks across the state, house these special ambassadors including turtles, snakes, bees, fish, and more.

While Dart would love to visit all of you at home, given his speed that may take a while. So he will do a virtual visit by sharing some fun nature-inspired craft activities for you– we’ll call it “Art with Dart!”

For the first activity, take a few moments to go outside and find natural items in your back yard. This can be leaves, twigs, acorns, and more. Then put together your own wild creation with a sheet of paper and a dab or two of glue.

Nature makes its own art

Then, comment with your turt-ally awesome creations for all to see!

For a bonus activity, try to identify where your items came from. What tree does the leaf belong to? What kind of oak produces that type of acorn?

Next week Dart will share another activity so stay tuned!