In case you're wondering, the Sandhills Farm
Life Nature Trail never shuts down. If you can
get there, it's open even in the winter. Every
season has its plusses, but Fall is one of my
favorite times to explore the hidden treasures
of the trail each year.
In early November, Mrs. Teague and Mrs.
Cameron's 2nd graders were the latest class
to experience the wonders of this great
resource of our school and community.
The looks on the faces of these eager
students confirms that they are highly
motivated about visiting their outdoor
classroom. And what an attentive and
inquisitive group of learners they were!
One of our first stops was the unique
poplar tree we have named "Jack, Will,
and Tom." Students wait patiently
for their turn at a spectacular view.
This is three trees in one, an icon as
well as an important landmark on the trail.
With two dozen pairs of eyes
diligently seeking unusual finds,
it's not surprising that the children
discovered countless acorns that
were sprouting all over the place.
Young hickory trees are abundant
and colorful along the trail.
As we progress, you can see how
observant the young naturalists are.
They use all their senses on this walk.
The last class that walked the trail was
fortunate to be able to climb on Big Rock.
Mrs. Teague's class was not so lucky;
there was sufficient water in the stream to
make a crossing too treacherous. None
of us adults wanted to be responsible for
muddy shoes or damp clothes.
While we surveyed the area around Big
Rock, I pointed out the moss-covered log
that spans the stream. This log is the
remnant of a massive tree that fell across
the forest some twenty years ago. During
the first few years, we had to clamber over
it to get to Big Rock. Now we simply walk
on the humus formed from its long-decayed
trunk. Apparently, the portion of the trunk
that crosses the creek has been sustained to
a degree by being "air-dried" and by not
being in contact with the damp ground.
I offer the following three pictures as
evidence that our sourwood trees were
the most festive of the fall display.
The sunlight played gently
with the autumn hues.
I couldn't help but be reminded of the
variegated colors of Indian corn.
The leaves below are also sourwood, but
were sheltered and had not yet turned.
So, we had a sourwood chew for a snack.
I told you earlier that we used all our
senses, and that included taste!
Among the many plants that are now being
subdued by killing frosts and freezes is our
nemesis, KUDZU! (aka the plant that wants
to take over the world)
Fighting this non-native and invasive vine
may be a losing endeavor, but I intend to
do what I can to minimize its impact on
our trail. It has the great advantage of
spreading through the treetops. Where
is Tarzan when I need him?
Part of the secret to my success in the
classroom is to demonstrate how little
things are really big things and get
children to buy into the excitement.
So our last moments on the trail were
for the boys, then the girls to attempt
to straighten Old Man Poplar. The boys'
best efforts were unsuccessful.
The girls couldn't do this monumental task
either, but the point is, none of them will
ever forget their encounter with this unusual
old tree. To them, it is now an old friend
of the forest; an aged, leaning patriarch
whom they tried their best to assist.
One day, when that tree falls, hundreds
of students will no doubt embellish the
stories of their exploits here.
Back in the classroom, we had just enough
time for a Molly Whuppie folktale. It was
a thoroughly pleasant afternoon, and these
children have joined an ever-growing group
of young folks: The Keepers of the Trail.
As busy as the Christmas season will be,
there should be several nice days for a
fall or early-winter stroll down these paths.
I invite you to do just that.
My next blog post will contain photos I
took later that same day after the students
had gone home. Hopefully, you'll
find it informative and useful.
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