By Cassie Schlender

Tasha Zeinstra with her favorite hunting companion Morgan.

Getting involved in the outdoors can be very fulfilling and life changing. Many feel that being in touch with nature can be incredibly boring and a waste of their time, but sometimes you just have to give it a chance and try it.

College student Tasha Zeinstra has something inspirational to share about how her life has been changed by visiting the outdoors. All it took was one time at the age of 15 when her stepdad took her and her brother deer hunting. Ever since then, she’s been hooked on the sport of hunting.

Tasha has been involved in Minnesota’s Lyon County Pheasants Forever Chapter for three years and is enjoying it immensely. She also helps out with the chapter events, including its annual banquet. Tasha really enjoys helping out with the youth hunt because many kids usually don’t get the chance to be outdoors.

Currently, Tasha is studying law enforcement in Willmar, Minnesota. She will graduate in May 2009. Before going to school in Willmar, Tasha went to school in Sanford, North Carolina, to get certified in training police dogs. She then decided to combine two interests: using K-9 partners and working as a Conservation Officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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In order for flowers to spread their seeds they need to move about. No, not the flowers, the seeds! But, how? I have never seen a flower fling a seed, nor have I ever seen one carry it off to a new location and lovingly plant it with care. I have seen some seeds floating by on wispy clouds of puff from a milkweed, and I have seen a few hitch a ride on an animal’s fur or on my pant leg as I tromp in the field. So, you got it Uplanders, I feel a Challenge coming on!

Here’s what you’ll need….

Materials: 1-2 large Beans (this will act as your seed). Odds and ends from around your house (straws, rubber bands, bits of foil, tissue, Popsicle sticks etc…anything you can find) With permission of course. You’ll also probably need scissors, some tape and glue.
Time: 30 mins (20mins to construct, 10 to test)
Directions: I want you to act as if you were a flower and figure out how you’re going to spread your seeds around. You have 20 minutes to construct some sort of device to make your seed travel the farthest. Here’s the catch, you cannot throw your seed you may only two finger drop it. Your device must do the work, as flowers do not have arms to throw. Once you go into testing mode your feet are “rooted” and cannot move!

Think about how seeds travel now. (Spinners, burrs, floaters, flyers)

What methods are most effective?

How can you incorporate that into your design?

Which of your designs worked the best, and traveled the farthest?

Ok get to work, and let me know how it goes!

Here is a great way to explore nature around you. For all of you with little brothers and sisters, this is a great trail game to play when you are hiking with your family.

Materials Needed: 1 empty egg carton
Time: as long as you need
Directions: On your way out the door throw an old empty egg carton in your backpack. As you hike observe the different shapes and textures around you. In your egg carton begin gathering small pieces of things that may be bumpy, slimy, prickly, soft, smooth, or anything else. Share these with smaller siblings. You will be surprised at how many textures nature provides. See if you can find a texture in modern day that nature hasn’t already provided you!

** Remember to return all your “touches” to nature especially if your touch is a slimy snail!

Welcome to the Upland Tales web site, the on-line home for Ringnecks and Whistlers to have fun while learning and sharing information about issues related to conservation, wildlife and outdoor adventure.

The future of wild places and the critters that live there depends on today’s Ringnecks, Whistlers and those of you that will become tomorrow’s leaders in the conservation of wildlife habitat.

This is your site and it is meant to encourage and inspire you to explore and discover all of the excitement, beauty and adventure of the great outdoors.

If you have questions regarding the Pheasants Forever Ringnecks or Quail Forever Whistlers programs please feel free to contact me. Now get outside and have some fun!