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.
After checking in, we met with naturalist and birder Patricia Otto about the important restoration she's been facilitating on this land for over 30 years, restoring 100 acres to intact habitat where beavers, birds, and bears alike can find refuge. Tricia realizes as we two-leggeds impact the environment it affects all these other community members, so she has invested herself for years to preserve and protect. She has fought against development and things that impact habitat, but she’s put most of her energy into helping habitat grow. When we asked her who she was doing this for, she answered for “you, for everyone.” We recalled the story Tricia told last time we visited about who had mentored her. She had said simply "my mother", and then proceeded to tell stories of powerful ways her mother had helped habitat, from starting a native plant landscaping business to rescuing robins convulsing in the street from day-before DDT sprays. Tricia talked about giving back as a doctor and then, 30 years ago, beginning to nurse this land back to health. We also discussed why someone would volunteer - unpaid - for so many years. What do they get back instead of money? Girls suggested one might receive a good feeling inside, a sense of integrity or doing the right thing, appreciation and recognition from others, a feeling of purpose, the satisfaction of seeing one's efforts pay off. Tricia added how much she has learned from being outside, how her curiosity is piqued and satisfied, and the peace she gets from time in nature. Truly, there are things money can't buy!
After checking in, we met with naturalist and birder Patricia Otto about the important restoration she's been facilitating on this land for over 30 years, restoring 100 acres to intact habitat where beavers, birds, and bears alike can find refuge. Tricia realizes as we two-leggeds impact the environment it affects all these other community members, so she has invested herself for years to preserve and protect. She has fought against development and things that impact habitat, but she’s put most of her energy into helping habitat grow. When we asked her who she was doing this for, she answered for “you, for everyone.” We recalled the story Tricia told last time we visited about who had mentored her. She had said simply "my mother", and then proceeded to tell stories of powerful ways her mother had helped habitat, from starting a native plant landscaping business to rescuing robins convulsing in the street from day-before DDT sprays. Tricia talked about giving back as a doctor and then, 30 years ago, beginning to nurse this land back to health. We also discussed why someone would volunteer - unpaid - for so many years. What do they get back instead of money? Girls suggested one might receive a good feeling inside, a sense of integrity or doing the right thing, appreciation and recognition from others, a feeling of purpose, the satisfaction of seeing one's efforts pay off. Tricia added how much she has learned from being outside, how her curiosity is piqued and satisfied, and the peace she gets from time in nature. Truly, there are things money can't buy!
Next, we learned our tasks for the day: to create an "amphibian" retreat next to the pond, to create another habitat shelter in the meadow, and to check wood duck boxes. Dividing the group in half, one team went out 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, giggles, and keen observation.
While the nest box data collectors did their tasks in the deciduous forest alongside the upper pond, the rest of the group was screeching and laughing their way through their objective: to stack decomposing logs to create amphibian shelter. This is how Tricia helps create habitat - finding ways to provide basic needs to the myriad species sheltering on her land.
Finally, the group gathered to study the findings of the nest box checkers, and... this was a first... to dissect unhatched eggs. Mind you, these eggs have been sitting for months - they are essentially rotten eggs. But with a pocket knife, fascination, and some grimacing, a small group set to work while the rest of us stood back at a safe distance. And it was fascinating to see one egg with a fully developed duck inside, the other with a duck less far along, partially developed, and the third... well, the third sort of exploded a foul smelling liquid that splattered on the closest onlookers. Ewwww!
We left that egg matter out for other creatures to consume, and sure enough, Tricia reported that the next day it was all gone, along with many apples nearby, surely eaten by bear (who may have a tummy ache)!
At the close of the day, we shared our gratitude, for so much: habitat, bear, beaver as keystone species (a concept we'd learned about earlier in the day), wood ducks, one another, and that Patricia has chosen to walk her talk by dedicating time out of her busy life to the well-being of so many.
Our Words of the Day: Super Soggy Service Splatter Sniff!
Slideshow from our day here: https://goo.gl/photos/w1RoDYSnE7kmnSqR6
Mottos especially alive today:
Safety First
We're All Teachers
LIBK
Our Cups Overflow
Walk Your Talk
Attitude of Gratitude
Collaborate and Compromise
Many Hands Make Light Work
Expect the Unexpected
