Peaceful, Easy Feeling

Once you’ve toughed it out through winter and then a warm sunny day comes your way, you just lap it up! People like us who learn outdoors all year round, appreciate when things are easy because we have had to be hardy through the wind, rain, snow and ice. So, sit back and tell your story about the peaceful, easy feelings that were with us at nature school today.

We have started some tree cuttings to plant at the farm in the future. How are these babies doing inside their sheltered greenhouse? Anyone thinking of making a rooting bed at home?

What about that FLUFF? We know that First Nations people found ways to use all parts of plants. What did we collect today from our friend the Cattail (Bulrush) and how could it be helpful for our survival if we lived on the land? Are you able to spot the picture which has a baby cattail in it?

Teeny, tiny pieces of trash are called micro-trash. We have lots blow here or from materials we use at the farm. Why are they a problem for animals? Can you show your family some of these small pieces of garbage around your home or community?

Blue Jay spots some tiny trash on the driveway

See if you know where these things came from.

There are also BIGGER dangers around an old farm. How did this get here?

Sometimes the wind brings lost treasures to the farm.

Check out these great pictures and see if there is a story you can tell about them. Maybe you made a discovery, challenged yourself, or went to a new place. Talk about it!

Trial and Error - How we all learn

Antman rolled out a map that showed how far some birds travel during migration. Birds get ready for this big trip by eating lots. Talk about the bird specimens he brought and what kinds of beaks and feet they have to help them find food. Share some fascinating facts that you learned from your time with Antman today.

It was interesting to play the “Birds in Spring” survival game and find out what dangers make it hard for our feathered friends to hatch their offspring. As a bird in the game, were you able to find a good place to build a nest or did you have to start all over again when someone took your nest down? Did all of your eggs hatch and were you able to find enough food for all of your hatchlings?

Even plants have their own challenges during the springtime. Oriole found a plant (Marsh Marigold) that needed some protection. Do you remember what she did to keep it safe? Can you do this at home?

Nature notebooks are like a treasure chest and in a way, they can hold ‘gold’ too! An interesting fact or an exciting observation can be just as precious to a nature lover as an old coin or precious jewel. Were you able to add flower or leaf samples from the spring plants we’ve been focusing on to your notebook? Which plant is your favourite so far and why?

Aside from the challenges that spring can bring, there are many gifts to be discovered. Were you a crayfish catcher, a bridge builder, a clay collector, a fossil finder, or a stone skipper? Share your ‘wander story’ with someone at home and ask them what they would do if they had time to wander and explore.

Practice those keen observer senses that led Chickadee to find a delicate nest and Cardinal to spy so much micro-trash on the ground. Be ready to share your discoveries next week FF:).