SUPER STEWARDS
Overview
In this adventure, we’ll explore some of the signs of human presence in the park and discover how we can be a super park steward! The Arboretum is a really fun place for humans to visit.
Gear
Writing utensil and Camera (optional)
1. Let’s go explore! Start walking from the front entrance at the front blue pillars. What things do you see around the path that were made or put there by humans? HINTS: a. This was built by humans to protect the grass and other plants from being stepped on: __________________ b. This was built so that humans could safely walk up to the Viewing Mound and not fall or step into the Alpine Rock Garden __________________ c. This is a place for humans to sit so that they don’t accidentally sit on a fragile plant: __________________ What other evidence can you find that humans have been to this park?
2. Ready for a challenge? Spell out your name, then try to find something made or put in the park by humans that starts with each letter of your name. For example: SAM; S - Sidewalks, A - Automobiles, M – Maps. The Arboretum features plant species from all over the region. How did these plants get here? In what ways have humans shaped the “natural” areas of the park?
3. Not all human presence is great for the park. What are some things you see around the park that might be hurting the plants or animals that live here? What actions can you take to help the park?
4. Stewards are people who take care of things. How can you be a good steward of this park? How do you help take care of your home? Come up with three things you can do to help take care of this space.
TINY TREK
Overview
In this adventure, we will go on the world’s tiniest trek to see what things we might be overlooking along the trail! Big hikes are fun, but there’s more hanging out on the ground than you might imagine.
Gear
Measuring tape (optional) Magnifying glass (optional)
1. Pick a place in the Arboretum that’s slightly off the beaten path. Try a mulchy area in the Japanese Maple Grove, or a shady spot in the grassy area of the Backyard Garden. Measure out about 3 feet on the ground. This is your new trail. If you don’t have a tape measure, use the full length of your adult’s arm.
2. Let’s get down to a bug’s eye view. Kneeling down at one end of your trail, use your fingers to comb through the grass, mulch, leaves, etc. What is something you see that you didn’t expect? Continue along your trail, looking carefully to notice as many things as possible.
3. Use your magnifying glass to take a closer look. What living things made their home on this trail? What is the most unique shape that you found?
4. How did your other senses help you explore? Describe something you heard, something you felt, and something you smelled. What tiny things might you be overlooking near your front door?
FAVORITE COLORS
Overview
You have a favorite color. Do you think birds and insects do too? Did you know that Hummingbirds are attracted to red and pink flowers while Goldfinches prefer yellow flowers. Color as well as flower shape will attract birds and help in the transfer of pollen from flower to flower by birds and insects. While most bright colors are attractive to birds, the color white can signal alarm, danger, and aggression to some birds. Although white flowers may not be interesting to birds, they do attract moths. After dark, moths and bats take over the night shift for pollination. Plants with pale or white flowers, heavy with fragrance and lots of nectar, attract these pollinating insects.
POLLINATION is the process by which pollen grains from an anther, the male portion of a flower, are transferred to a female part in the flower, known as the stigma. Once pollinated, the plant makes fruit. Birds and insects help the pollination process.
Gear – Before your walk in the Arboretum, visit a paint store to get a handful of free paint chip samples. Bring crayons, white paper and stiff board to draw on- camera (optional)
1. Let’s go on a color hunt along the Master Gardener Garden. Use the paint chips to match colors as you walk. How close is the color on the paint chip to the matching plants? Is it brighter, duller, warmer or cooler? Can you find other flowers with similar colors? What’s your favorite color? Can you find flowers that a hummingbird, a goldfinch or a moth would be attracted to? Use your camera to take photos of at least 3 different flowers you like. Don’t have a camera? Frame the shot with your hands to take a “mental snapshot”! Don’t have color chips samples? Make your own with crayons on white paper.
2. Find a spot in the Arboretum where you can sit and draw. Use your photo, your mental snapshot or sit right where the flower is to draw a picture. Share your artwork with your adult!
Take it home: What flowers grow where you live that would attract birds or insects? What flowers would you like to grow? Is there a place near where you live where you could plant a flower that would attract a bird or insect, maybe in a pot or the ground?