Introduction

Nature bursts with activity before settling in for a long winter's nap, which makes autumn a great time to experience the wild. All living things seem to react to the shorter days and cooler weather. Heading out as a family to find out what different species are up to is the best kind of educational autumn fun.

BHG.com talked to lifelong outdoorswoman Susan Ebert, publisher and editor of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, to get expert tips on wild times with wildlife.

Sample your state parks. Ebert's favorite places for experiencing plants and animals up close are state parks. "At a state park, no matter what state you live in, park rangers are extremely knowledgeable about the animals and plants in their park and would be thrilled to talk to you about them and answer your questions," Ebert says. State parks often have marked nature trails, interpretive displays and nature centers devoted to plants and animals in their park; experiencing these with your kids is a treat in itself.

You can also try national, county and city parks; reputable wildlife parks (look for those doing conservation work); protected wildlife areas; and even your local zoo (especially if it is committed to designing natural environments for the animals). Start a list of possible viewing opportunities by doing some research:

• Check a map of your state or area for park symbols.
• Call or go online to contact your state's department of natural resources or state tourism office.
• Scour the government pages of the phone book.
• Contact local chapters of organizations like the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club. These groups often sponsor planned activities and outings, some of which might be kid-friendly. Also visit the National Geographic site which lists local events.