15 scouts arrived at the Nature Center at 3:00 and met in the classroom for a hands-on activity to determine the age of a tree. They used hand lenses to count the rings in a tree cookie, and then made medallions out of them to wear and take home. The rain had stopped by this time, so they embarked on a hike to explore some of the habitats around the Boardman River Nature Center. The scouts identified six different native trees and shrubs, six other plants, including some native vines, and some of the animals that depend on the trees for food and shelter. The scouts were enthusiastic and energetic in their exploration of the habitat around the Sabin Dam. After the hike, everyone returned to the classroom for a recap and to receive some handouts on the uses of different parts of a tree and what animals may actually live in a tree. Today’s adventure was just part of the scouts’ activities involved in getting their Forestry Badge.

We hope to see them back again, discovering the wonders of the Natural Education Reserve.