DUNNELLON — With azaleas popping out in Rainbow Springs State Park, the beauty of springtime lures hikers, swimmers and even artists with sketch pads, canvases, water colors, oil paints and brushes.

Almost since the beginning of man's time on Earth, people have been recording observations of nature. They drew on cave walls and painted stories on teepees and sheepskin. And we are still doing it.

Even in chilly upstate New York, nature artist Carol Coogan tries to sketch outdoors whenever she can. Carol writes and illustrates a weekly column for my local newspaper called "Backyard Naturalist." ...

We are big fans of simple screen free activities for kids. So if you’re looking for a creative way to get your kids outdoors ...