theme - winter survival: humans
We have spent the past couple weeks discussing how various elements of nature survive winter. Today’s topic was humans! To start our afternoon, we brainstormed the things we would want if we had to survive a night in the wilderness–tents or shelter, fire-making materials, warm clothes and boots, a first aid kit, a compass and map, food, and water. We discussed the potential of building a fire together during class, but today was just too windy. It would also have to be done in an approved receptacle because fires are not allowed on the Natural Education Reserve!
We looked for fort-building materials in the shed and grabbed a variety of items–a shovel, sleds, rope, and sheets. Next, we made our way down Fox Den Trail, dodging and sliding across the ice to find the perfect shelter-building spot. We arrived at the Bear Dens, the ideal fort-building destination, and quickly got to work scoping out new places to build our shelters. On our adventure, we noticed plenty of signs of winter wildlife–a branch that had been chewed on by rabbits (indicated by the surrounding scat) and a deer trail through the plants (also indicated by piles of scat).
Evidence of rabbits.
Evidence of deer.
Another cool discovery was ice so thin that it sounded like shattering glass when stepped upon. It was even transparent like glass! We also found the remains of some type of hunting blind or tree fort high up in the cedar trees. We wonder how old it is because hunting is not allowed on this part of the NER.
We enjoyed exploring so much that we had to race back to the pavilion to pack up to go home. As we sat down to journal about winter survival, the snow started to fall. Perhaps it will stay until spring this time! Next week starts our next theme, Winter Wildlife. We will learn all about tracks and scat, hibernation, migration, and animal adaptations!
