Students are led by docents in a search of life in ecosystems. The different teams will start at various points in the Nature Center such as the waterfall, out on the point, and deep in the woods.
Students will construct and interpret information on topographic maps. GPS and compass use could be incorporated into this program. Students will have the opportunity to utilize these tools and maps in field studies at South Fork.
This program includes games such as “Oh Deer!” and simulations such as “Weaving the Web.” Students can participate in an actual field study of different ecosystems found in our world. They will be able to reinforce their knowledge, demonstrating competition for resources within an eco-system and the interdependence of organisms in an eco-system.
The South Fork Nature Center’s outdoor classrooms are perfect stages for art enrichment activities. Students will gather at various areas of the Nature Center and participate in hands-on creation of tree and leaf structure, texture, and design drawings led by our very talented docents. Additional art programs such as watercolor landscape and natural walnut dye sketching may be arranged.
*This visual art standard is present in grades 4-8th. The applicable numbers are VA.6.5.14, VA.6.6.14, VA.6.7.14, and VA.6.8.14
Students are led in field study by various docents, many of whom are trained professional botanists. They will learn to identify trees from fallen leaves and oak patterns. They will use bark patterns, colors, branching patterns, buds, and overall tree crown shapes and silhouettes to identify the “winterwoods” of South Fork.
We had a great group tour and meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 30th, when Cabot School’s 11th and 12th grade classes came up for their visit to South Fork Nature Center. Docent Larry Price met and welcomed the group at the gate around 10:00 AM, and walked the trail down to the cabin. The weather was almost perfect, maybe a little cold at first, especially in the shade.
The group of about 60 students, mostly science “kids”, were divided into 6 groups for their sessions with our docents.
Bob Hartmann discussed lake ecology and fish populations, while Steve Smith covered tree identification at South Fork. Dr. Jim Soloman discussed how insects and diseases affect the ecosystem. Glenda Hall’s group wrote about nature and Larry Price talked about the plants and animals living at South Fork.
Larry Bintliff brought an old cross-cut saw and he and a student volunteer cut a section off an old pine log. Larry also brought an Indian grind-stone and explained how the natives used it.
Joyce Hartmann tried something new this time with the students, Leaf Stamping. It involved finding leaves with interesting shapes, cleaning them first with soap and water to remove sizing, drying, then applying paint and pressing them onto paper: a perfect activity for fall! She brought a large watercolor and two small cards for the students to look at so they could see the potential. Joyce’s goal was to have the students understand and experiment with the process.
Most of the students enjoyed the art of it but also noticed how much detail is quickly recorded for leaf identification. This was a new experience for them; one student asked her teacher if they could do more of that process in their classes back at school. Some of their leaf stampings were beautiful, and many took them home.
After lunch it was time to say goodbye to the students teachers. They all had positive comments about the SFNC and the activities presented.
South Fork Nature Center 
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