All kinds of leaves can be collected and dried, including those of flowering plants, vegetables, herbs, trees and shrubs. Just give kids a sack and let them have at it. Remember, however, that thick, leathery leaves, such as those from magnolia trees, don't dry very well. Fancy flower presses and special blotting paper are available at hobby stores, but all you really need to dry and press leaves is a roll of paper towels and a few heavy books.
Start by laying out the leaves on paper towels. Make sure the leaves don't overlap or they'll stick together as they dry. Then cover the leaves with another layer of towels, and top that off with a few heavy books. Wait a day or two for the leaves to dry.
Once the leaves have dried, carefully remove the books and paper towels and mount the leaves on a poster board using a hot-glue gun or in a folder of some kind.
Another fun project is called bark rubbing. Using a piece of paper and a crayon, create a unique image of bark on the paper. Becoming familiar with the textures of tree bark is fun and educational, especially since it's the only way to identify deciduous trees in winter. Kids seem to have a good time doing it.
The last project is guaranteed to attract a number of birds to the backyard. Simply roll pine cones in peanut butter, then bird seed, and hang the cones in trees for the birds to enjoy!
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