eNature is developing a site based on information in the Audubon series of field guides and branching out into a group of discussion areas for a variety of interests, including teachers. As yet, there is not a lot of content in the discussion areas but there is promise here for descriptions of class activities and field trips. The main body of information consists of a well-designed, easily searched database on the contents of the Audubon guides. Entries include pictures and an adequate, though abbreviated, text taken from the field guides. The text will not meet the needs of someone writing a report on a species but will provide enough information to determine if referring to the appropriate field guide is worthwhile. The pictures will be interesting to younger children and will be valuable downloads to color printers for teachers to have in class.
I found the links to be exceptionally thorough and wide ranging from sight-seeing in Arizona to the Smithsonian. At present, this is the strongest area at eNature.com and teachers will find this to be the most useful area. The site is useful for parents and students in grades 3-10. The usefulness for advanced students lies primarily in the links.
**Review Updated: 7/17/03
eNature has been redesigned since it was reviewed in 2000. The homepage now features eight main sections:
- Field Guides—guides to over 4,800 North American plants and animals
- ZipGuides—regional wildlife guides
- Parks and Refuges—offers descriptions, species lists, maps, and more for national parks and wildlife refuges all over the country
- Birding
- eCards
- Experts
- Newsletters
- Store
Users can also find information for creating backyard habitats for wildlife and a tool for creating a list of their wildlife sightings.
