Crow’s Nest Camp Week Two

By Daniel Barringer, Preserve Manager.

Our second week of camp was also for kids entering 5th and 6th grade—there were so many kids this age in our programs that we added a second week. Although we did many of the same activities the camps were very different due to the personalities of the campers and a slightly different arrangement of staff (since we are also doing land stewardship while camp is in session).

As usual we had play time to build in the woods, some trees to climb, and wildlife to observe. Tiny American toads were abundant, and this red-spotted purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis, below) hung around with us for quite a while.

My small group climbed a tree and investigated a cardinal nesting in a white oak tree planted in our meadow.

Keeping with the theme of trees the kids below are writing a Haiku poem about the giant tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) that they pass between the parking lot and the barn.

Another week passed that has been a highlight of our summer!