Into the Woods

Thursday, April 18, the Lunchers went on field trip to Locust Grove Nature Center. It was a field and woods trip to explore the world of amphibians up close. The weather was perfect--for amphibians!


First the Lunchers learned about the characteristics of amphibians:
vertebrates
moist skin
jelly-like eggs
and ,of course, metamorphosis!




Off to the pond to check out the Wood Frog's tadpoles.

 Then, back into the pond!

On to search for the red-backed salamanders.

                                Salamanders found--under logs and under large rocks!

  No tadpoles here!  The Lunchers found mosquito larvae, however. Where are frogs when they are needed!

The Lunchers explored several possible habitats as they looked for frogs, toads, salamanders and newts.
This beautiful sycamore tree looked like a shady place for children, but there were no puddles for frogs.

                              This part of the creek would make a safe place for eggs and tadpoles.

                            This part of the creek had swift running water so no tadpoles here!

                                 We found a bridge similar to the one in Monet's Garden!

                         
                                                  Water Lilies?  No! Dandelions!

Tiny bees laid their eggs in these tubes.  Soon the bees will hatch and pollinate the flowers nearby.

                              This log had termites hiding beneath it! They were chewing wood!

                                           We enjoyed our time at Locust Grove!

                                 
                                       Back to school. It's lunch time for Lunchers!