Snack-O-Lantern

Recycle Halloween

After the holiday, don't throw out your jack-o-lantern. Turn it into a feeder for backyard visitors such as squirrels, chipmunks, or birds.

Just fill your carved pumpkin with ears of Indian corn, seeds, or nuts. You can even add fruit pieces such as apple cores and skins.

An uncarved pumpkin will work too. Get an adult to slice off the top and cut it into chunks about 2 inches (5 cm) square. (That's just the right size for a squirrel to hold while it nibbles.) You may leave the pulp and seeds inside. Then add the pumpkin chunks and any other of the treats already mentioned.

Place your pumpkin feeder outside. Then sit back and watch the show! Which backyard visitors come to dinner? Which one is the messiest eater? Which treat does each visitor like best? - Elizabeth J. Scholl

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Seedy Snacks

For Squirrely Wildlife:

1. Scoop seeds from pumpkin and wash them.  

2. Spread out seeds on paper towels and let them dry. 

3. Set out for animals.  

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For Squirrely People:

1. Stir 3 tablespoons of salt into 4 cups of water in a bowl. Soak cleaned seeds in the salt water overnight. 

2. Drain seeds and dry them on paper towels.  

3. Stir seeds in bowl with a little oil. Sprinkle in extra seasonings such as chili, garlic, or onion powder if you like. 

4. Spread seeds on cookie sheet. Bake at 300° F, stirring often, until slightly browned. Let seeds cool completely before eating! 

Illustrations by Jack Desrocher