Ecosystem Explorers Enthusiastically Investigate Coy’s Brook Woodlands
Reflections by Naturalist & Walk Leader Andrea Higgins
Photos courtesy of HCT Outreach & Administrative Coordinator Halley Steinmetz
Ecosystem Explorers and their caregivers gathered today at the beautiful Coy’s Brook Woodlands for our last morning adventure of summer 2024. I invited Explorers to pretend to be ecologists studying the ecosystem as we set off down the trail surrounded by pine, oak, maple, cherry, beech and cedar trees.
Pausing to introduce ourselves to the trees, youngsters gently took hold of the tips of branches in a kind handshake greeting. After a short saunter, we arrived at a break in the trees offering an incredible view of the marsh and the Herring River.
While investigating fiddler crab habitat along the edge of the marsh, we noted the deposits of Earth and detritus next to each carefully excavated crab hole/home. The large claw of the male was spotted waving in warning as curious children scampered along the mucky edges in search of the crustaceans.
Our junior ecologists next shared detailed observations with caregivers after investigating busy ants trekking across the trail in front of us. High bush blueberry bushes, soft mosses, and colorful lichens were also discovered and admired as we meandered along the trails.
Arriving at a bench with views of the Herring River and surrounding marsh, Explorers climbed up for a reading of A Day in the Salt Marsh by Kevin Kurtz. The story discusses the critters that call this special habitat home, including fiddler crabs, river otters, great blue herons, periwinkle snails, diamondback terrapin turtles, fish, raccoons, and more. One Explorer took a turn reading a few of the pages to our group while our youngest participant shared some ecosystem props I brought along for everyone to take a peek.
This summer we learned about many different environmental subjects and the corresponding scientists’ titles, including dendrologists (the study of trees), entomologists (insects), limnologists (lakes and ponds), hydrologists (the water cycle), and ecologists (ecosystems). Through each of these discussions, we learned more about nature and evoked youngsters’ curiosity about each subject.
Nature has inspired many incredible works of art from poems to paintings, songs to stories. My wish for today’s arts and crafts project was for Explorers to gain inspiration from some aspect of nature found at this lovely Preserve and create a song, poem, or drawing. Our medium was Crayola crayons and washable markers on colorful pieces of construction paper. Each explorer set to work designing original and unique pieces including trees, abstract work, a beautiful rainbow, drawings of crabs, and even an imagined creature with many adaptations to survive and thrive in a marsh habitat.
After art projects were complete, we continued on with our wonder wander, pausing frequently to admire tree stumps with mushrooms emerging from the decaying wood, bright green patches of moss, and to listen to birdsong. One observant Explorer made a magnificent discovery: a cicada exoskeleton!
Around the next trail bend, we came across a hollow in a tree decorated with toys and fairy figurines. The children were convinced they were real fairies that look like toys during the day and come alive at night. In their excitement, they each took turns peeking into the tree hollow/fairy house to thoroughly inspect this thrilling find.
When we arrived at a grove of beech trees nestled in the forest, I explained that some of these beautiful plants are sick. While scientists and researchers are working on a cure, I suggested that in the meantime perhaps we could share some well wishes and affection with the beech trees. Each child gently touched and hugged the trees, sharing whispers of “I hope you feel better” and “get better tree.”
With our adventure nearing its conclusion, caregivers snuggling in with their children for one last story of the day: Dear Little One by Nina Laden.
As families departed, I wished each Explorer good luck as some are heading to school for the first time as they enter kindergarten, and others are going into first grade.
Together we have had an incredible summer exploring, learning, making discoveries, and falling in love with the land we live on. I am feeling so grateful for these preserved sanctuaries and all the wonderful memories we made this summer.
Happy Exploring!
Smiles,
Ms. Andrea
