The Wonder of Whittling

Did you know that doctors are now suggesting some of their patients spend at least 2 hours a week outside in nature in order to feel less stressed and happier? For some people, this might mean enjoying a walk in the woods while others may choose to buy binoculars and become birdwatchers. What do you like to do when you are outside that makes you feel relaxed and calm? If you said that you like to find just the right stick, sit on a stump and whittle, then welcome to the Heron Whittling Club!

Today we were lucky enough to have a visit from Woodchuck, Tamarack's brother who has been whittling for years as a way to relax as he enjoys the sights and sounds of nature. He showed us some of his whittling techniques and even brought different types of wood for us to try. What kind of wood did you get and how was it to work with? He also showed us how to sharpen a knife and some of us got a chance to try it out. Raccoon's wife, Junco will be surprised that she won't have to do that job for us anymore!

Last year, our winter project was making snow snakes. What do you think we should whittle this year?

Some people find spending time outside in nature most relaxing during the winter. One of the activities they might enjoy doing is to look for tracks in the snow and trying to figure out the stories they tell. Today, we had a lot of luck tracking down tracks!

Tamarack made this beautiful discovery. Woodchuck thought that a ruffed grouse might have been startled and took flight in a hurry.

There was a lot of evidence that the deer in the area have been active around Mystery Forest. Catfish and Mr. Beaver discovered a beautiful example of a deer bed in the field which we all had to take a look at and Cardinal discovered 8 deer beds along Root Highway right in the forest!

Here is a mystery track for you to identify. What make the track and where is it?

Some inside activities that also brought a sense of calmness to our group were listening to Grey Squirrel read to us and painting some decorations for our Secret Santa exchange next week.

There's one winter activity that we always look forward to doing. It may not make us feel relaxed but it sure does put a smile on our faces!

Our final race was a head-to-head competition between Tamarack and her brother. It probably looks a little blurry because they were going so fast. See if someone at home can guess who went the farthest.

A belated happy birthday to Water Bear who almost snuck this one by us! He is sporting his birthday wishes bracelet with hopes that some day he will be a famous scientist and that all of his dreams will come true!

It's hard to believe that next Friday will be the end of our Fall session! Today we talked about how each one of you has grown and changed since September. What a fine group of caring, thoughtful, and confident people you are becoming! It's exciting to think of the changes yet to come!