robot soup

So today was our last scheduled day of environmental education for the term. Even though today's low tide was amazingly low, we helped out at South Slough. I love it there! You get to see distinct habitats including the upland forest, riparian areas, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, tidal flats and the open water channel of the estuary.

Most of their programs include a hike down to the observation deck and outdoor classrooms. I have led about 5 of these in the last term and each time I learn something new. I remember back to my first hike being excited but nervous that I would say something stupid or that the kids would rebel against my nerdy ways. Today, we were scheduled to lead two hikes right in a row going all the way down then directly back up. This hike is a fairly big walk down (especially for 9 year olds and sore/tired college students).

I made these hikes the best ever. Why you may ask? Well I got these kids excited about moss, ferns and fungus! I taught them all of the cool plants like thimbleberry aka toilet paper plant and about salmon berry butterfly leaves. The teacher who was with us caught on to my points and helped me to emphasize them. The best part is that I talked about the importance of dead stuff like old stumps and fallen trees. The kids were so excited to take a look at what was growing and living in them. Of course I used my excellent inquiry technique of asking lots of good question and having them identify this concept or that. Inquiry is the best! This is stuff that a lot of their parents know nothing about, but they were so excited to take them out there during the summer and teach them about the different habitats and give them a fun experience as well. And to top it off, it was actually sunny and warm today!

anywho, just had to gloat for a bit :)