Last week our 5th graders picked wood reed and bottlebrush grass from the oak woods at Sauganash. It was great to see them be so comfortable at recognizing these two important grasses. Both are used to repopulate areas in the Forest Preserves that have been devastated by alien invaders, lack of fire, habitat fragmentation, etc. Our ecology lesson for this trip is about species richness on different sized islands located at different distances from a mainland. Larger islands, closer to the mainland can maintain greater species diversity (and ecological health) than smaller islands farther from the mainland. These small islands are analogies for the small and isolated Forest Preserves, adrift in an ocean of development. As species disappear, because of disease, predation, poaching, invasives, etc, there is little opportunity for re-populating these species through natural means. Imagine a pair of green prairie snakes attempting to migrate to Sauganash from Forest Glen, having to cross the Edens expressway. Not going to happen.
So our activity, collecting rare seed and transporting it to distant islands, creates a bridge, a possibility for increased species diversity and ecological health.
7th Grade was treated to a virtually mosquito - free walk through the dunes and the Magic Hedge at the Lake, ablaze with Lady's Tresses orchids, grass of parnassus, gerardia, great blue Lobelia, lakeside goldenrod, and New England aster: a rich dreamy swarm of beauty. Thanks to all the parents and volunteers who made these trips possible.
This week, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5th Grade, Room 209 repeats the trip to Sauganash. Meet by the fish tank at 9:00. Bus leaves at 9:30, returns at 1:15. Picnic lunch, long pants and shirt. Boots recommended.
On Thursday, 4th Grade Room 307, visits Sauganash to learn about Communities of Plants: how these creatures self organize to populate specific habitats and ecosystems there. Join us to learn some of the plant names and to glory in the blue stemmed goldenrod and short's asters abloom in the oak woods. Picnic lunch. Meet at 9:00 by the fish tank. Bus leaves at 9:30, returns at 1:15.
Mr. Leki
So our activity, collecting rare seed and transporting it to distant islands, creates a bridge, a possibility for increased species diversity and ecological health.
7th Grade was treated to a virtually mosquito - free walk through the dunes and the Magic Hedge at the Lake, ablaze with Lady's Tresses orchids, grass of parnassus, gerardia, great blue Lobelia, lakeside goldenrod, and New England aster: a rich dreamy swarm of beauty. Thanks to all the parents and volunteers who made these trips possible.
This week, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5th Grade, Room 209 repeats the trip to Sauganash. Meet by the fish tank at 9:00. Bus leaves at 9:30, returns at 1:15. Picnic lunch, long pants and shirt. Boots recommended.
On Thursday, 4th Grade Room 307, visits Sauganash to learn about Communities of Plants: how these creatures self organize to populate specific habitats and ecosystems there. Join us to learn some of the plant names and to glory in the blue stemmed goldenrod and short's asters abloom in the oak woods. Picnic lunch. Meet at 9:00 by the fish tank. Bus leaves at 9:30, returns at 1:15.
Mr. Leki
RSS Feed
