It was a jam-packed, fun-filled, snow-covered day to wrap up our Winter FOREST semester! The day began with a simulation of predator and prey relationships involving lots of movement to keep us warm! Next, we learned about the different types of tracks in the forest—the differences between canine and feline tracks, a ground bird and flying bird track, and finally how to distinguish a rabbit track (Nevada shaped) from a squirrel track (square shaped).
We separated into three groups for three different tracking adventures through the fields and to the far reaches of the property. Some explored the marsh edges, others searched the edge of the beaver pond and dam, and other followed coyote and deer. One group even managed to spot a deer while stalking through the forest! Another group of explorers came upon a winter skunk den that smelled very strong when uncovered. We learned a thing or two about the movements of the animals and where a lot of them like to spend their time.
We met for lunch at the Red Pine site for a big fire and a grand ceremony to give new friends and old Nature Names and to honor our new friends that we have spent the last several weeks exploring with. We gave out new names to our Red Squirrel, Sharpshin Hawk, Wood Turtle, and Pileated Woodpecker, thinking long and hard to match the name with the child. We all said kind and supportive words for each other during the honoring ceremony, and then headed back down to the field with just enough time to slip and slide on the pond before the day was through!
—River Otter, Barred Owl, Bobcat, Jumping Spider, and Spring Raven (Chris, Josh, Alana, and the counselors), February 11, 2021