Fun in the Field
by
Rebecca Schumacher, Texas Master Naturalist, Indian Trail Chapter
On May 17, two chapters of Texas Master Naturalists, North Texas and Indian Trail chapters, combined to lead a field trip for sixty-three third graders from Mesquite ISD to Cedar Ridge Preserve in southwest Dallas. We had two certified master naturalists: Rebecca Schumacher and Rose Mercer, two master naturalist interns: Sarah Cornett and Nikki Miller, two members of the Dallas Audubon Society, four teachers, and several adult chaperones (and a partridge in a pear tree….!).
The kids were divided into four groups of roughly 15-16 each. Teachers and chaperones escorted kids to each of four activities focusing on the elements of habitat (food, water, shelter and space). Naturalists guided the activities that included nature journaling, a half-mile guided hike, an exploration of the Butterfly and Sensory Garden using Project WILD curriculum “Habitracks,” and hands-on exploration of the learning center’s natural artifacts and insect collection. Kids got to touch a scorpion (it was dead) and discuss human habitat needs with another Project WILD session called, “What’s that, Habitat?”
We all came back alive and the kids had a great time. All of the children left with a better understanding of the concept of habitat and the master naturalists all got at least five volunteer service hours for the effort!
Do you think nature should be part of our everyday life, not just somewhere to go on the weekends? You are invited to attend our free, open-to-the-public, monthly program on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 pm at the Red Oak Library, 200 Lakeview Pkwy, Red Oak, TX. For more information on the Indian Trail Master Naturalist Chapter, contact the Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Service at 972-825-5175 or visit our website: http://txmn.org/indiantrail/.