The following article was written by Jess Johnsrud, Education Coordinator at the Woodland Dunes Nature Center
I was recently with a group of seven- to eleven-year-olds on Conifer Trail during the Nature Explorers Free Play summer camp. This trail is just a short walk or car ride from the Nature Center and well worth a visit.
To get to the trailhead, our group walked a couple of blocks from the Nature Center. Along the way, we observed 15-20 geese in the retention pond and noticed some pond lilies in the water. We also saw several insects that leapt into the air and flew ahead of us as we moved across the short grass on the shoulder of the road. They had black wings with a cream-colored border. The campers debated whether these were grasshoppers or butterflies, but after careful observation, all agreed they were grasshoppers.
Once we were on the trail, we were immersed in the forest. Many of the trees have fallen over the years due to wet soil conditions and high winds. As the logs rot and decay, they return important nutrients to the soil and make great habitat. We stopped in an area with several downed cedar and birch trees and showed the campers how to carefully roll over the small logs to look for life underneath. We stressed that the log needs to be rolled back the way it was found to ensure minimal impact. Once this demonstration was complete, campers began their search and were thrilled to discover centipedes, worms, beetles, and a blue-spotted salamander.
We gathered our backpacks and looked carefully at where we had explored to make sure no one could tell we had been there. This is part of the Leave No Trace Principles practiced during camp. We explain that we need to be like Bigfoot, exploring the trails but leaving no sign we were ever there. The kids love this concept!
As we continued our walk, we hit what the campers called “frog alley.” Here, they found dozens and dozens of tiny wood frogs and toads. There were so many that we had to slow our pace to make sure we didn’t step on any of them. Some campers also noticed the large ferns and some interesting mushrooms. As we rounded the bend, we saw a white, waxy looking plant emerging from the soil. It was ghost pipe, a unique plant that lacks chlorophyll, so it is not green.
Before we finished our walk, we stopped for a short snack break. Campers sat on the huge trunk of a fallen white pine tree. As we walked back to the Nature Center, each child shared their highlight. This is my favorite way to finish a hike with kids.
Whether you take a walk on Conifer Trail or prefer sunny and open trails like Cattail Trail or Blazing Star Trail, I am sure you will also make interesting discoveries and find the trails full of life.
