Welcome to
The Tacoma Nature Center!
Last Friday we went to The Tacoma Nature Center to take a good look at
Spring in the woods and wetlands.
Inside the Center, we explored their exhibits. We got to see many animals of this habitat, both alive and stuffed.
We used the microscopes to observe details!
Bob and Margie invited us into their learning center downstairs. We got to see and touch the fur of various mammals.
They were so impressed with how much we knew about mammals! One of our group went back for their Earth Day activities on Saturday, and they told her that they would hire her because she (and the whole group) had arrived knowing so much... What a compliment!
We measured our hands against... what else?... a bear track!
Margie, Bob, parents and teachers helped everyone to make raccoon masks. We talked about how raccoons are in both our rural and urban habitats. We also discussed that though they are so cute, they are also unpredictable and dangerous... We should never approach or try to pet one!
However, maybe we'll make an exception for these raccoon kits!
We headed out for a hike on the Nature Trail.
Each pair of partners was given a "Color Card" of shades and tints to match with hues in the natural environment. After we discovered plants, flowers, bark, on our card, we then traded cards and found another range of colors.
We each had a magnifying glass that we had brought from school. There was so much to examine!
Looking and listening, Bob reminds us to use our "fox ears."
Bob explained that at The Tacoma Nature Center, they offer the ducks raised nesting boxes (middle, back-ground.) By so doing, the ducklings can hatch safely, away from predators who may eat eggs or newly hatched birds. Once the ducklings jump out of the nest, following mom to the lake, the boxes are not used again until the following spring nesting season.
There is so much exploring and discovery, so much to think about!
At the pond, we were greeted by Mama Mallard and two of her three ducklings.
The confident third duckling was out on her own--- Can you spot her in the center?
We were spellbound!
One by one, the ducklings jumped into the water and Mama paddled after them. Can you find her?
We observed that the ducklings mostly swam under the overhanging branches. We hypothesized that the branches protect them from predators--- such as flying hawks, one child suggested.
Can you spot the duckling again? Look in the center, between the forked branch.
No doubt about it...
these ducklings were
enchanting!
We watched for a long time...
enchanting!
We watched for a long time...
What a wonderful day of exploring,
observing, discovering, learning... Thank you, Bob and Margie!
And thanks to our wonderful parents who help in so many ways! This time, photos are by Kelli and Judith. Celebrate the wild and woodsy!
Judith
