News from the Friends of Reinstein

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Virtual “Woods Walk” Series

March 30, 2020

Challenge 12: It’s Mammal Monday! Find as many mammal species as you can! Now that spring has arrived, we are not just limited to seeing animals that are active through the winter. How many mammal species can you find in your neighborhood? Please comment what you find!

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Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

Challenge 11: Find a bug! It may still be chilly out there, but insects are already emerging all around us. Ladybugs may start to become restless, stoneflies can be found crawling on rocks near streams, and even butterflies can be spotted on a sunny day!

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Virtual “WOODS” Walk Series

March 27, 2020

Challenge 10: Create a mud face! Use mud to make the shape of a face on the ground or on a tree trunk. Use leaves, pebbles, twigs, seeds and more to add eyes, nose, hair, and ears. See more at Tree Tools For Schools.

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Nature Sightings

These warm spring days have buds about to burst. Some of the early flowers such as coltsfoot and crocuses are blooming. Moss and lichen are very vibrant right now. Waterfowl migrants such as pied-billed grebes have returned. Watch them dive in search of crayfish, aquatic insects and fish. Canada geese have separated out into pairs … Continue reading Nature Sightings

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Virtual “WOODS” Walk Series

March 26, 2020

Challenge 9: Find a plant thriving in a place you wouldn’t expect it!Some plants live in the cracks between sidewalks. Some climb buildings. Some live with almost no sunlight. Where’s your survivor plant?

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Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

March 25, 2020

Challenge 8: Neighborhood Sound Map! Listen for the sounds around you from your front yard! Draw a simple map of your home and the surrounding area and record the sounds you can hear using words or symbols! They can be anything from birds chirping, dogs barking, or cars running. See this activity in action at … Continue reading Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

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Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

March 24, 2020

Challenge 7: Can you find any signs that birds have left behind? It may be holes in trees, feathers on the ground, old nests, or more! Now is a great time for birding. The changing season have birds more active, but the leaves are not yet fully out to cover the view! What evidence did … Continue reading Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

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Virtual “Woods Walk” Series

March 23, 2020

Challenge 6: Where does water go? Don’t let the rain keep you inside! Head out and follow the water in your area. We love these prompts from the Schuylkill Center: – Follow the path of rainwater from your roof, your doorstep, or the sidewalk in front of your house. Where does it lead? – Is … Continue reading Virtual “Woods Walk” Series

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Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

Challenge 5: What is the value of that tree? Find a tree and measure its circumference using measuring tape or a string. Next, go to https://mytree.itreetools.org/. Follow the instructions to produce a simple “nutrition-style” label that shows a tree’s benefits! How much CO2 does your tree absorb? Rainfall? Visit https://www.plt.org/…/teaching-with-itr…/value-of-that-tree/ for full activity.

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Virtual “WOODS Walk” Series

Challenge 4: Find a leaf as big as your hand! Download the “Leafsnap” app or visit http://leafsnap.com/species/ to ID your leaf! Practice using a dichotomous key to ID your leaf using the Arbor Day Foundation online tool at https://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree.

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