Directory D
Continued from page 21
Service
• Learning to identify trees, wildflowers, animal tracks, bird songs. • Watch an ant colony . • Ice skating and tobogganing.
ATV
Eagle Ridge
REMEMBER WHEN?
Enterprises
NATURE-LY FRIENDLY BACKYARDS
Free play in natural environments encourages youngsters to experiment, explore, imagine their own ways to play, develop responsibility and make decisions. Natural elements provide for creative interaction. The more diverse the outdoor setting, the greater the opportunities for open-ended play: woods, gullies, digging areas, log piles, stumps, boulders, water. Kids love outdoor shelters such as tree houses, clubhouses, forts and playhouses – all manner of nooks and crannies that offer privacy or hiding places. Traditional wooden structures are just one choice for a hideaway. Another spot kids love is the space beneath the deck. Tall grasses interspersed with some bright flowers provide perfect privacy for the younger set. An open space in the planting allows room for kids to squeeze into their “cave�. Sunflowers can create another seasonal play place. A sunny spot about 5x9 feet planted on three sides with sunflowers and runner beans, morning glories or some other rapid climbing vining plant is all it takes. When the sunflowers reach a good height, a string tied around the heads will join them together. The twining plants quickly cover the string and the youngsters have the most interesting play space in the neighborhood. FUTURE IMPACT
Environmental advocates worry. Children who grow up without experiences of fishing in the lily pads, boating on area lakes or camping under the stars might not, as adults, find environmental conservation to be a priority. Will nature-disconnected children care about protecting the environment when they are nature-disconnected adults? It seems unlikely. Few people value what they know little about. The future is in the hands of our children. So are computer keyboards, video games, and the remote control for the TV. Please. Send them outside.
C A R O L Y N C O R B E T T is a free-
lance writer and editor with 12 years of experience. Carolyn currently lives in Brainerd where she writes for various local publications and creates content for web sites.
SPORTING GOODS
34771 US Hwy 169 Onamia, MN 56359
7!3().'4/. 342%%4 "2!).%2$ -. s 777 %!392)$%23")+%3 #/-
eagleridgemn.com
./4 *534 ")+%3
MARINE SERVICE
TIRES
320-532-4484
LOW LOW PRICES Today & Everyday • • • •
Boat Storage & Winterization Shrink Wrap Outboards & Sterndrives Reooring and/or Reupholstering of your boat or pontoon.
Call for more information:
320-632-8152
• Free Tire Mounting • 200% Best Price Guarantee • 30 Day Ride Guarantee • Free Lifetime Tire Rotation Brainerd/Baxter 14370 Dellwood Dr.
218-828-8552 ASE Certified • Full Service
NATURE TRAIL Paul Bunyan Nature Learning Center Michael Baumer 7187 Wise Rd., Brainerd
218-829-9620 www.pbnlc.net • mbaumer@brainerd.net Open: 10:00 to 5:00 Tuesday thru Saturday
PAINTING NORTHLAND CABIN CARE 20 Yrs Experience - Fully Insured Painting • Staining • Power-Washing Lawn Care • Cleaning
Call Mike at 820-0142 www.northlandcabincare.com
TREE SERVICE “A CUT ABOVE�
JN TREE
SERVICE
We specialize in high-risk trimming & dangerous removals Lot Clearing • Brush Chipping 60’ Bucket Truck • Free Estimates Fast, Friendly Service Owner Operated & Fully Insured Give the professionals a call to get the job done right!
1-800-630-2960 218-232-7328
RECREATION
Beaver Dam Ballooning BALLOON RIDE the Brainerd Lakes
“Come fly with us and enjoy the most unique adventure available in the lakes area� Call for Reservations, Gift Certificates or Special Requests
218-838-6191
Service
“ A Local Company You Can Trustâ€? • Tree Removal • Lot Clearing • Tree Pruning • Brush Clipping
STORM DAMAGE CLEAN-UP Michael A Schwartze Certified Arborist & Horticulturist
“ We Are Your Tree Removal Experts�
218-825-8207 CERTIFIED • INSURED
D i r e c t o r y 25