Timberwolf Trail - Week 30 - Retzer Experience #6 - 2018-19 Edition

It was a week of service and springtime on the trail. With the assistance of some fourth grade friends, nature kindergarteners planted spruce trees provided from a DNR program.

After planting the new saplings, we trekked to the other side of the trail to see saplings that have survived since our planting last year.

We also had the pleasure of getting another visit from our Retzer Nature Center. In spite of the drizzly 40 degree "spring" weather, we enjoyed a hike searching for the signs of spring. We found

fresh nests in some of our birdboxes, goldenrod galls,

worm hills and tracks,

scat and fungus.

After the spring search, we headed inside for some stations.

We kicked off on station #1 with some frog activities.

I especially enjoyed the frog concert.

In Station #2, we learned about seeds by acting out their role in nature and dissecting them.

The third and final station focused on pollinators. We learned who they are and why they are important.

We also enjoyed role-playing pollinators and flowers.

It was back to work on the trail and we continued our wood chipping.

Excitement filled the air once a few students discovered a new fallen tree. It is long and will be a perfect balancing board for years to come.

We also had our first few official sessions for our participation in the Natural Resources Foundation's  Great Wisconsin Birdathon.

We saw and heard many feathered friends, with nature kindergarteners correctly identifying seven  birds so far: robin, wren, chickadee, hawk, turkey vulture, killdeer, and woodpecker.

Of course, wonderful work led to passionate play. What better way to wrap up the week than to haven egg hunt on the trail.