Vernal pool monday

Tamposi Land, Vernal pool #1, Rain showers

Another wet day in the field but many accomplishments. The mapping of the perimeter of the pool is complete and I am surprised at how big it is. With this data, we'll do some mapping using acr view and I plan to make a map by hand. It is an exercise I do with my 7th graders as an introduction into compass, map, gps and orienteering. With the directions (bearings) and distances, it is quite easy to make a pretty accurate map of anything. A set of parallel rulers and a protractor are a must. A couple more days of field work and a little exploration in the land west of the vernal pool.

Vernal pool and poetry

Tamposi land, vernal pool#1 July 19,2007: rain, with lots of mosquitoes

Despite over night rain and afternoon rain today, vernal pool 1 has just about dried out. There are only a few green frogs left as compared to yesterday when there were hundreds. I like the changing nature of vernal pools. I'm sure it's one of the reasons I enjoy studying them. Hard work in the rain. We had thought the mosquitoes would lay down due to the rain but no such luck.

Poetry day back in the classroom:

Do you hear the chimes in the darkness of the early evening?
Walking quickly so as not to freeze

I hear the moan of the water as its molecules slow to a stop and change from liquid to solid

Do you see the diamonds cast upon the water?
A gift from the sun so that we will remember
lightness in the long nights of January

I see the ice growing in thickness as each day provides more cold than the river can endure

Do you smell the winter?
Standing here on the trail looking down on the creek
shifting side to side feeling the crunch of the dry frozen snow

I smell your warmth and hold dear the promise that it brings of a fire in the wood stove, soup in the kettle
and your soft hand held in mine.

Tamposi land- Vernal Pool #1

July 18, 2007 Cloudy, humid no air movement- buggy

In one day what is left of the water in the vernal pool has dropped 6 cm. It was a day of more close identification of species left in each little pool of water named: Pool 1 is called Laverne and Pool 2 is called Shirley. Here are some of the things we found today: Lots of green frogs, both mature, juvenile and tadpole stage; another giant water bug; back swimmers (lots and lots); predacious beetles, water scorpions (2), mosquito larvae ectoskeleton and more moose tracks, hermit thrush and the list goes on. The green frog is an indicator that this vernal pool most likely has had other extended seasons like this and doesn't just dry up in April, May or June. Some species in vernal pools indicate whether other vernal pools are near by.

Something from my journal:

I love the sounds of the hermit thrushes. Their flute like song is a welcome reprieve to the constant buzzing of mosquito's. I love the pitch pine, with its dinosaur like bark, protecting the north side of the pool. I love the softness of the earth as it gives way to my heavy steps, kind of like a form of acceptance.

vernal pool day 1

nvernal pool Tamposi Vernal Pool #1, July 17th - Perfect summer day

When taking students to a vernal pool there is so much excitement. For weeks, we build to the day when we will begin to study our own vernal pool. There are excellent resources on the web and in print that help prepare students for their first trip. We take all of our 8th graders on the first trip and this year that will be about 50 students. Armed with knowledge, field guides and enthusiasm, we embark on our journey. At the trail head, expectations are clearly articulated, a review of the day is conducted and a special emphasis is placed on the fragility of the ecosystem we are about to invade. When we get to within 50 meters of the vernal pool we stop, get our nature journal out and adopt our code of silence. We then move students to 10 meters from the waters edge and for 10 minutes or so they take in the site and record what they will in their journals. When they are satisfied, they then move to the waters edge and repeat the process. Have you ever had 50 students be silent in the woods for 20 minutes. It's an amazing thing. What makes it so special is that they probably appreciate it more than you do! After our silent, nature journaling time, we spend enough time to tweak the curiosity, so to speak, but we are really setting the stage for act 2.Today was our first day at VP#1 on the Tamposi and clearly it is a remarkable and special place. We even saw a giant water bug. The infamous "toe biter"

projects and I believes

July 16, UNH classroom, beautiful day

Today was sign up for a project and go over what you believe in regards to environmental education. Groups and projects were artfully decided and K. was put in the hot seat regarding her beliefs. The group I'm with will be doing some vernal pool work on the Tamposi land. Vernal pools are wicked big puddles that usually dry out in the summer months. We hope that the body of water that we will be studying is indeed a vernal pool. Here are a few of my beliefs:
1. Meet students where they are at and go from there
2. Be humble and grateful as an educator. Humility is an important attribute
3. Distill and instill hope in your students. It can be such a depressing world.

Tracking with Dan G.

Tamposi reserve 9:00 am, cloudy and humid

Gathering by the too numerous cars parked in the lot, watching others douse themselves with bug dope and looking forward to our time tracking. Out of the woods pops Dan, sweating, wet but with a broad brimmed grin on his face. Necessary time spent with introductions and then off through the woods to see something Dan wants to explore in more depth. 10 minutes later out of the woods on a driveway, broad brimmed grin turned sheepish. "Always scout your area well ahead of time" Dan says somewhat as an apology to missing his mark. But another important lesson learned. When plan A pans out choose another plan quickly. Great time! Learned about how squirrels will mark a tree. Go figure that.

Barrington Preserve 07/10/07

Scavenger Hunt- Tamposi area- site #3 Cloudy, humid, buggy

There always seemto be oasis or places in the forest that present themselves if you are willing to have them when they call to you. This spot is such a place. Dead spires of white pine with whorled limbs, extend upward out of the middle of the wetland. Frogs chorus and birds sing. The breeze keeps most of the mosquitos away. Nice lunch company, all eating pb&j. A new group invades, but politely and are welcome. Tell story of student black bear encounter on Hurricane Hill in Hartford VT. Talk about changing last names when you get married and wish a nap would follow lunch