Today I had an entertaining and interesting day at the Conservancy, with lots to see and do. After my first hike with the second graders, I had a slow group and got back after all the others had been assigned. But, that was good, because, I got to take pictures and record what naturalists do when we lead field trips. Today’s topic was “It’s Not Just Dirt”.
I checked out the students down at the soil pit. they were learning the layering of top soil. Seeing how things change as you go deeper into the soil.
They were also seeing the local “products” like black walnuts, that grow on trees in our region.
black walnuts
And, milkweed. A wondrous plant that attracts monarch butterflies. Our milkweed is splitting open and sending seeds over the land to hopefully land and create new plants in the future. We had students sending seeds aloft to float over the land to come to rest.
milkweed
We took them to the Master Gardeners historic gardens to show them what good soil will do. Like the wonderful greens in the salad table.
And, we taught them why good soil is important, and why compost is black gold.
The second graders loved their day in the grasslands, following naturalists around learning about what helps their favorite plants grow. This second grade, from Dayton Oaks, knew all about what grows around them. When asked, they knew carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, beans and fruit. Smart, aren’t they? They really enjoyed learning about science in a fun place. And, loved saying hi to Ranger, the owl.
When they were all done, after hand washing from the well water, they got to go off for a picnic lunch.
While I was out there, I caught at least a half dozen bluebirds wandering around looking for insects. These four on the fence were watching the ones on the ground. Stalking them was a little difficult.
Fall at the Conservancy. What could be better?
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AnnieRie Unplugged 