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By Sofia Johnson
Happy March Modesto! In honor of Saint Patrick’s day, I am excited to share some green-related activities that you can take part in this month.
1. The valley’s weather has been absolutely gorgeous recently. These upcoming months are perfect to bike along the Tuolumne River and Dry Creek trails as well as the Virginia Corridor that have begun to flourish as spring approaches. If you’re with your furry friend, you can take a quick detour off the corridor to the Modesto Dog Park on Morris Avenue. The park has a section for small dogs and another for larger dogs, drinking fountains, and picnic benches—a perfect weekend activity.
2. Whether your favorite Girl Scout cookie be the chocolate-coated thin mints, classic shortbreads, or, my personal favorite, lemonades, there truly is nothing better than cookie season. Well… that season is here! Support a local Girl Scout troop by purchasing a box of cookies because 100 percent of the profits will stay local. The money that troops earn will then be used to improve the community or they will donate it to a worthy cause.
3. This month I want to encourage you to spend your money locally. I have found that small businesses, such as Mobaak Aromatherapy Shoppe in Roseburg Square, are very rewarding to buy from. Mobaak’s natural candles, oils, soaps, and more also make the perfect gift for a loved one or just to treat yourself. Other local businesses that I enjoy include Preservation Coffee & Tea, Beads of Contentment, and Rodin Ranch Farmers Market.
4. Of course, my favorite green topic to mention is environmental. While appreciating and using Modesto’s many amenities, let us keep them beautiful as well. Plogging, a combination of picking up litter and jogging is among my favorite environmental trends. You may also be inspired, like myself, to start your own garden this spring and cook meals with the food that you grow. This prevents unnecessary plastic wrapping on vegetables, saves fuel, and creates a fun process of seeing your food start from a seed and make its way to your dinner plate.
5. If you are looking for a more crafty activity, I suggest making leprechaun traps. My sister and I once turned an old girl scout cookie box into a leprechaun nightclub in an attempt to make them lose track of time. Another year, we flipped a box upside-down, propped one side up with a stick and lured them in with gold coins.
Now, I may be a very experienced leprechaun-trapper, but anyone can make one of these traps! All you need is an old cardboard box, any craft supplies, and a little creativity.
I hope this list gave you a variety of activities to do this month. Although it may seem difficult to remain occupied in these monotonous days, stay busy, stay enthusiastic, and stay safe Modesto!
