In our Nature Center and Garden, it is inevitable that children encounter both the beginnings and endings of life. From plants to insects and birds, they see the full cycle of life and death. In December, however, an animal that they had more contact with was killed - one of the turtles in our Reptile Refuge became the victim of a hungry raccoon. Courageous Rudolph Niemes put up a good fight, but in the end the raccoon was too much for him and he died. The Garden Helpers buried him and sang him over the Rainbow Bridge. He led a good life and he will be missed.
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One of the words that I often use is mulch. Our students learn that mulch is what helps to prevent water evaporation, keeps roots cool, and, as it composts, helps to feed the soil. It is under the mulch that they find many of the creatures that live here - grubs, worms, cocoons, spiders, beetles, and lizards. Although our good friends at Kellogg Garden Products donate mulch and compost to our Garden, there is a also free and fun resource to be had. It is astonishing to me how many people pay to have their leaves blown away and thrown away, then proceed to buy composted ones from a store. Trying to change this mindset is difficult - I hope that teaching our students will lead to a sea change in our approach to taking care of the earth.
Once again, it was time for the Raking of the Leaves! After raking the leaves, what could be more fun than to help the composting and breaking down of this "trash", than to play in the Giant Leaf Pile! |
Kathleen IrvineCertified Horticulturist, Artist, Teacher Categories
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