IMG_1179, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
Every year at this time these Spined Micrathena spiders (Micrathena gracilis) start making their webs. I love their abdomins. They look like they’re made of porcelain.
Their webs are in the shape of a CD, with a hole in the middle that they can get through to the other side. Three anchor threads are use to secure the web.
IMG_1206, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
As I am returning from a walk around the peninsula, I see a truck stop a few hundred yards ahead. I get up to that spot and find this male box turtle. They were stopping to help this species of special concern get across the road. It’s nice to see that people care enough to help when they can!
IMG_1160, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
I don’t know what insect this is but I think its beak is interesting.
IMG_1157, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
At the base of Turtle Hill, these red ants create large openings to their tunnels. I wonder what advantage these large(1 inch) openings have for these ants? It seems that they would be a disadvangage because it would allow predators to more easily get access. These are the ants that have a citrus taste when eaten.
I just read this article on swarming intelligence in national geographic magizine. It’s facinating how groups of individuals doing their own thing become more intelligent when combined with other individuals.
IMG_1137, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
This beautiful invasive wildflower is growing on the roadway of our fen. A problem plant because it has such reproductive power, loosestrife is of special concern because it chokes out native waterplants. But all that aside, this butterfly seems to be enjoying this plant’s all the same.
IMG_1130, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
I look up from my computer and see some breathing brown fur on my window sill. At first I think it’s a mouse. I take it outside and let some kids take a look at it and then it flys away.
IMG_0836 last, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
Getting to lead this trip was quite an honor. It was a lot of fun. A lot of work as well, but worth it.
Here’s was our itinerary:
Camp Friedenswald Junior High Bike Trip Itinerary
July 16-20, 2007
Hear the Kids Audio Evaluation of the Bike Trip(mp3)
Monday
8:30-9:30 Campers arrive, register, and pack up the van
9:45 Depart for Lake Side trail at Spring Lake
11-2 pm Bike Lakeside Trail, lunch on trail (15-20 miles)
3 Depart for PJ Hoffmaster State Park, set up camp
6 pm Supper
7 pm Free time/hit the beach
PJ Hoffmaster State Park phone: (231) 798-3711
Tuesday
8 am wake-up/breakfast
9 am Bike the Musketawa Trail (35-40 miles)
12 noon Lunch on the trail
4 pm Return to campsite/hit the beach
6 pm Supper
7–?? Activities around camp, walk the boardwalk
Stay at PJ Hoffmaster again
Wednesday
8 am wake-up/breakfast
9 am Drive to Montague/Whitehall
10 am-4 pm Bike the Hart-Montague Trail (Round trip: 50 miles)
5 pm Take a walk along the boardwalk
6 pm Supper at a restaurant
7 pm– Evening activities - Hit the beach again
Stay at PJ Hoffmaster again
Thursday
8 am wake-up/breakfast/pack up camp
9 am Depart for White Pine Trail(pdf) (White Pine Trail website)
10:30-3 Bike the trail (Approx: 40 miles)
4 pm Arrive at Ionia State Recreation Area (2880 West David Highway Ionia MI 48846)
6 pm Supper at I.S.R.A.
7 pm–?? Evening Activities
Stay at Ionia State Recreation Area (616) 527-3750
Friday
8 am wake-up/breakfast/pack up
9:00 am Depart for Dr Lawless State Park
11:30 am Dr Lawless State Park(10-15 miles)
2:30 pm Arrive at Camp and unpack
5:45 pm Eat supper with parents
Presentation 1, originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.
What a blast! The campers learned so much!
Here’s the audio(mp3) of what the kids liked best about nature camp 2007(the survival game was obviously a big hit). Kid’s Nature Camp 2007 Audio Evaluation (mp3)
Here’s a list of some of the many things that we did:
Get to know you games
Camping out
Fishing
Canoeing
Fire Kites
Bug Suckers
Bird Calls
Bird Adaptations
Water Slide
Archery
Swimming
Swamp Hike
Campfire Songs
Gift of Nature, God, Ourselves, & History
