Though we love leading all types service, these more in-depth projects for older girls are particularly rewarding. On Saturday, many of us were giddy at the opportunity to do real, hands-on science fieldwork. The day truly encompassed EC goals to connect kids to themselves, to one another, to the community, and to nature.
We met and talked with naturalist and birder Patricia Otto and her collaborator Veronica about the important restoration she's done at Agate Bay Preserve (all volunteer, for 20+ years. Restoring an ecosystem, habitat niches. What an inspiration!). We then talked specifically about wood duck habitat needs and why Tricia and Veronica have done what they've done all these years, and the specific ways we'd be helping this day. We highlighted for the girls that we were going to do field science - real, hands-on research and data collection - then we got to work! Three teams of 4 went out paired with adult(s) and checked nest boxes for sign of wood duck nesting the previous spring. Jobs included: ladder carrier/stabilizer, box checker, box analyzers (feathers? Droppings? Eggs or egg membranes? Who was the occupant? Mouse? Bird? Chipmunk?), data recorder, box cleaner and re-stocker (with wood chips). This was the real work of field scientists, done with joy and lots of motivation by the Bats.
We went from box to box collecting data (which included a some un-hatched wood duck eggs, the skeleton of a two baby ducks who never made it out of the nest, lots of downy feathers, egg shells and membranes, some wasp nests, and even a mouse family in a cozy home!), and along the way we laughed, talked and explored some of Patricia's 100 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands. We got to see the results of Patricia’s incredible re-wilding of her land, including her beaver-made wetland, old trees harboring shelf fungus, and even a really old Pontiac car from 1948! As we ate lunch, the groups re-gathered and excitedly compared data collection notes, clearly engaged by the process. After lunch, we headed out for a couple more box checks, and then wrapped up our productive day with a circle of thanks. We shared our gratitude that Patricia has chosen to walk her talk by dedicating time out of her busy life (she's a doctor too!) to the well-being of so many creatures, and also gave thanks for rain, Explorers Club, trees, the water cycle, habitat, and this opportunity.
You may check out the slideshow from our day here (note that these are photos from another group, since the camera was damaged post-outing, but really do reflect our day).
Mottos especially alive today:
We met and talked with naturalist and birder Patricia Otto and her collaborator Veronica about the important restoration she's done at Agate Bay Preserve (all volunteer, for 20+ years. Restoring an ecosystem, habitat niches. What an inspiration!). We then talked specifically about wood duck habitat needs and why Tricia and Veronica have done what they've done all these years, and the specific ways we'd be helping this day. We highlighted for the girls that we were going to do field science - real, hands-on research and data collection - then we got to work! Three teams of 4 went out paired with adult(s) and checked nest boxes for sign of wood duck nesting the previous spring. Jobs included: ladder carrier/stabilizer, box checker, box analyzers (feathers? Droppings? Eggs or egg membranes? Who was the occupant? Mouse? Bird? Chipmunk?), data recorder, box cleaner and re-stocker (with wood chips). This was the real work of field scientists, done with joy and lots of motivation by the Bats.
We went from box to box collecting data (which included a some un-hatched wood duck eggs, the skeleton of a two baby ducks who never made it out of the nest, lots of downy feathers, egg shells and membranes, some wasp nests, and even a mouse family in a cozy home!), and along the way we laughed, talked and explored some of Patricia's 100 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands. We got to see the results of Patricia’s incredible re-wilding of her land, including her beaver-made wetland, old trees harboring shelf fungus, and even a really old Pontiac car from 1948! As we ate lunch, the groups re-gathered and excitedly compared data collection notes, clearly engaged by the process. After lunch, we headed out for a couple more box checks, and then wrapped up our productive day with a circle of thanks. We shared our gratitude that Patricia has chosen to walk her talk by dedicating time out of her busy life (she's a doctor too!) to the well-being of so many creatures, and also gave thanks for rain, Explorers Club, trees, the water cycle, habitat, and this opportunity.
You may check out the slideshow from our day here (note that these are photos from another group, since the camera was damaged post-outing, but really do reflect our day).
Mottos especially alive today:
Safety First
We're All Teachers
LIBK
Our Cups Overflow
Walk Your Talk
Attitude of Gratitude
Collaborate and Compromise
Everyone Helps
Expect the Unexpected
No comments:
Post a Comment