Today was definitely the coldest day of Forest Classroom yet, but we all came prepared and ready to explore. Our morning activity was “Who am I” where each student got an animal that lives in Vermont in the winter clipped to their back and was tasked to ask Yes or No questions to figure out who they were. Once they figured out their animal they then needed to move like that animal in their patterns, like hopping, bounding, etc. Some of these animals were harder than others to figure out.
The day we planned was busy for sure, but definitely kept us warm throughout the day. In the morning we journeyed down to Beaver Pond with the hope that it would still be frozen and we could continue working on our village from last week. Sadly, when we got there and after I tested the ice, the snow on top started to thin the ice making it unsafe for us to go out as far as we were last week. We discussed why the slush was formed and all the students were able to share that it was because all the snow was insulating the ice, causing it to start to melt and make the slush. Instead we had a group move the slush around and end up making a little “fishing” hole. We also ventured into the woods and made a little sledding hill too. Others also started to dig out forts and beds to rest in.
After we enjoyed lunch we measured the snow at our snow board. It measured over 8 inches of new snow over the weekend! We then explored the woods around forest camp, there was so much snow, it was a little hard to move! After exploring the woods we took some time to go sledding in the backyard.
We were about to start snack when another Audubon worker came and told me there was a BARRED OWL at Peeper Pond. As a group we ran down the white pine trail and booked it over to the sign where it was at! We all got to see it, and see it fly from the sign to the powerlines. Such an incredible moment.
We were supposed to then go on a bird walk to practice for the Great Backyard Bird Count, but after running to see the owl we didn’t end up having time, and needed a rest and snack break. Sent home with every student is a bird list of every bird one can see in Vermont. You can use this list to record your bird sightings for this weekend and in the future. Be sure, if you are interested in participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count that’s held national wide starting Feb 14th and running through Monday Feb 17th to learn more online.
We ended out time sharing our favorite part of the day and sliding down the snow piles by the office.
