Have you ever wondered how seeds travel from one place to another? In botany, seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant. If seeds dropped directly below from a plant and never traveled away from it, plants would crowd together. They would compete for resources such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and…
In this forest school activity we will become bird architects. We will construct a nest with the goal of creating a safe place for a bird to lay their eggs. If we’re lucky, a bird may even adopt this nest or reconstruct it! In order to make a home fit for a bird, we have…
Birds are incredible architects. When building their nests, they consider their environment and the potential hazards and predators around them. Each species of bird has unique needs, which means that their nests need to be different. Not all nests are the same. Different birds build different homes: Cup Nests Cup nests are shaped like a…
What is Infrastructure? When you think of infrastructure, you may think of highways, skyscrapers, schools, and construction. While these words do represent the idea of infrastructure, we can define it more broadly. “Infrastructure” is the systems that help things live, move, and work together. As humans, we have developed many systems to get our needs…
Mud season often gives a unique opportunity to look for animal tracks, especially if there is still snow on the ground. “Mud season” refers to the few weeks in between winter and spring, when the ground is covered in mud. These are some commonly found animal tracks, and some tips to identify them. 1. Squirrel…
Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, are one of the most beautiful displays of early spring. These ephemeral trees are celebrated in Japan, and are a symbol of impermanence and renewal. In this nature article, you will learn 10 facts about cherry blossom trees. 1. Cherry blossom trees only stay in bloom for 1-2 weeks….
Have you ever wondered why an owl is wise? For centuries, people around the world have seen owls as symbols of wisdom, curiosity, and careful observation. With their big eyes, quiet flight, and nighttime adventures, owls seem thoughtful and mysterious. These amazing birds remind us to slow down, pay attention, and learn from the world…
The American Bumblebee has disappeared from eight states and is nearing extinction. Over the past twenty years, scientists estimate there has been about a 90% drop in bumblebee population across the United States. Eight states; Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and, Wyoming have already lost the American bumblebee entirely. Despite this,…
If you saw a rustle in the trees and a chipmunk pop out of its branches, you might wonder, “is that a squirrel?” Let’s investigate this question; “is a chipmunk a squirrel?” Did you know that squirrels and chipmunks belong to the same family? Both chipmunks and squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which makes them…
When you think of crustaceans, you might picture crabs and lobsters scuttling along the ocean floor. But did you know that there are also crustaceans living in rivers, lakes, and streams? These freshwater crustaceans are fascinating creatures that play important roles in their ecosystems. What Are Freshwater Crustaceans? Freshwater crustaceans are small, hard-shelled animals that…