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Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – March 2016 Lichen and Moss

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter March 2016 Cover

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

March 2016 – Lichen and Moss

 

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

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This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of March so be sure to download it before 3/31/16.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!
Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter March 2016 button

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

  • This edition of the newsletter features ideas, resources, and links to enhance any study of lichen and moss.
  • Contributions from Outdoor Hour Challenge participants Paige Hudson  , Nadene from Practical Pages, and Alex from Life on an Island Studio.
  • March Nature Study Planning Page with field trip ideas, nature photo ideas, and a special 15 minute challenge for parents.
  • Lichen Study printable notebook page which can be used as a nature journal topper as well.

Resources for your Nature Library: I have started to build a nature library store on Amazon that will feature by category my favorite nature study books and resources. Take a look and see if there is anything you would like to put on your wish list for your family’s nature study library: Handbook of Nature Study Nature Library Suggestions on Amazon.com. Note this is my affiliate store to items I personally recommend and have read or seen in person.

Please note that Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level members have access to members only printables each month in addition to the newsletter printables. You will need to log into your account and then go to the “Other Releases” section.

 

Getting Started FAQ Button
Need help getting started with your nature study using the Handbook of Nature Study? Check out the fresh “Getting Started” page here on the website!

 

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Mullein vs. Lamb’s Ear

Mullein or Lambs Ear @handbookofnaturestudyI had a friend ask me the difference between a common mullein and a lamb’s ear. I just happen to have both growing in my yard so it didn’t take me long to pop out and take a few images. The images above are both of the mullein plant and the second year winter seed stalk. The rosette shape of the plant with its blue gray soft and fuzzy leaves grows low to the ground in the first year. Later on it will have leaves that are more upright along the stalk.

Lambs Ear in WinterThe image directly above this is of the lamb’s ear in winter. It grows in more of a clump with no marked rosette. The leaves are also a soft gray-green color and are fuzzy, perhaps not quite as thick as the mullein. In winter you can really see how different the plants are.

If you are observing these two plants in the summer or autumn, you can really tell the difference by the flower stalks. The mullein grows super tall and has yellow flowers and the lamb’s ear has a short stalk and purple flowers.

May Lamb's Ear Flower
Lamb’s ear plant image from my archives…taken in the month of May.You can really see how the leaves are shaped in this image.

Here is the lamb’s ear blooming in the spring. You can see it is a low growing purple flower.

Mullein summer flower
This is an image from my archives…taken in July. You can see how tall the stalk is in comparison to my window!

This is the tall yellow flowering stalk of the common mullein.

Hopefully this helps you distinguish the two plants….a lot of similarities and some really big differences too!

Here is a website I found with some more of the technical differences: Differences Between Lamb’s Ear and Mullein.

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Outdoor Hour Challenge – Fungi

 

Outdoor Hour Challenge Fungi Study from the Archives @handbookofnatuerstudy

From the Archives!

Outdoor Hour Challenge

Fungi – Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Use the link above to view the challenge from the archives. This is an easy and fun study for everyone and includes a free printable notebook page to record your observations.

If you own the Discover Nature Close to Home book, you will find a section talking about fungi on pages 173-187. Once you go over this information with your family, you may wish to complete the Mushroom Shapes Notebook page found in this entry: Mushroom Study.

Members here on the Handbook of Nature Study can download the March 2013 newsletter for more information on mushrooms, lichen, and moss.

Everyone can find more specific challenges on the Misc/Seasonal Tab at the top of the blog.

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The Peculiar Value of Geography

The peculiar value of geography lies in its fitness to nourish the mind with ideas and furnish the imagination with pictures. - Charlotte Mason

This quote came to my mind this morning as we were walking along the walking trail in our town. The walking trail extends from the center of town all the way to a the far, far side of our town, three and a half miles one way.

It winds along through a wooded area, near the highway for a stretch, back into a wooded section, out into the open along a pasture, and then back into another wooded area. There are many different habitats you can experience as you walk. Over the years we have learned what grows in each section and what to expect in each season.

Walking trail

Our children have walked with us hundreds of times along this trail and we came to have certain spots we would meet up if we got separated. This idea of learning how far it is between landmarks and what to expect on the trail ahead is an easy way to introduce the idea of geography to your children during a nature walk.

I can remember saying, “Stop at the bridge and wait for us on the bench.” Or I would say something like, “Turn around at the old mill and meet up with us on your way back.”

Walking Trail galls berries leaves (3)

Naming certain landmarks reflects a knowledge of local geography…maybe it will inspire you to do the same on a favorite trail in your neighborhood.

  • The Tunnel: an old train tunnel we walk through
  • The Acorn Oaks: place to gather acorns or to watch squirrels
  • The Sweet Pea section: spring and summer colors
  • The Star Thistle section: the hot part of the trail where you want to stay clear of the edges
  • The Mill: an old lumber mill site now vacated and being overgrown with a variety of weeds
  • The Bridge: crosses over the highway and marks a turning around point for many of our walks
  • The Llamas: this is the farthest point from our parking spot…always fun to see the llamas on the hillside

 

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Outdoor Hour Challenge – Looking for Twigs

Twig Nature Study @handbookofnaturestudy

From the Archives

Outdoor Hour Challenge
Twig Study

This is an easy nature study idea that all can enjoy! Young children can help gather some twigs and older students can go deeper to learn more about the twig’s parts and function in the life cycle of the tree.

You may wish to view these additional entries for twig study ideas:

 

More Nature Study Winter Wonder

For members of the Handbook of Nature Study, you will find this challenge in the More Nature Study – Winter ebook. Included in this ebook, there are three different notebook pages for you to use in your study of twigs plus a variety of graphics to help you learn more than you ever thought possible about this interesting topic.

 

Handbook of Nature Study Ultimate Naturalist Library

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Nature Study – 3 Steps Reminder

From My Archives!

I know there are a lot of new readers here on the Handbook of Nature Study and many of you have never downloaded my free printable that outlines 3 easy steps to encouraging better nature study experiences. This printable includes suggestions for progressive nature study using practical ideas, a printable chart, and a reminder checklist for your nature journal.
Whether you are beginning your nature study adventure or you have been on the trail a long time, take a look at the ideas we tested and found valuable in my own family.
Don’t miss it!
Nature Study - Three Steps to a Better Experience

Nature Study – Three Steps to a Better Experience
(You may need to right click the link and save it to your computer.)

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Once a Month Nature Journal – Arrows

Once a Month Nature Journal Project Use an Arrow @handbookofnaturestudy

Once a Month Journal Project – February 2016

Use an arrow in your nature journal!

Sometimes using a simple thing like an arrow on a nature journal page pumps up the interest factor and helps create a focus. I hope this entry will help you see how using an arrow feature on your page is a simple but effective tool for your family.

Nature Journal Page Ideas – Arrows!

  • Draw attention to a point of interest on the page.
  • Use the arrow to highlight something in the sketch.
  • Arrows can show distance and size.

Don’t miss this! I have created a Pinterest Board for journal page examples. I will label each entry with the prompt that describes it best for future reference.

If you would like to contribute to the board, you will need to follow this Pinterest Board and then leave me a comment letting me know you want to be added. Important: If you contribute to the board, you need to include in your description the prompt it is featuring.

Sample: Our The Window Nature Journal

If you don’t include a description using one of the monthly journal prompts, I may remove it. This is not a board to post general nature journal pages. It is strictly for pages created using one of the twelve monthly prompts as part of this project.

Please note that you are not committed to make a journal each month…participate as you can and share your results to encourage others.
Once a Month Nature Journal Project @handbookofnaturestudy

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From the Archives: Outdoor Hour Challenge Drawing

Drawing in Your Nature Journal @handbookofnaturestudyFrom the Archives!

Outdoor Hour Challenge

Drawing in Your Nature Journal

This week we are going back to the basics by encouraging everyone to include some drawing in their nature journals. This challenge from the very first series of challenges is one that your family can complete periodically to keep your pencils and minds sharp, looking for ways to draw something interesting in your nature journal.

Outdoor Hour Challenge Getting Started Ebook @handbookofnaturestudy

Members here on the Handbook of Nature Study have access to this challenge (#3 in the ebook) and its corresponding notebook page in the Getting Started ebook. Make sure to look up the challenge in the ebook, print the notebook page, and then make time to complete the suggested activities soon!

You may also wish to read my entry 3 Tips for Nature Journaling When You Think You Can’t Sketch.

 

Handbook of Nature Study Ultimate Naturalist Library

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Great Backyard Bird Count Reminder

Great BAckyard Bird Count 2016

What? The Great Backyard Bird Count
When? February 12-15, 2016
Who? Anyone around the world…for the first time ever!
How? Count birds in your yard and at your feeders. Report the data to the Great Backyard Bird Count

Need so more information?
Great Backyard Bird Count

Video: Great Backyard Bird Count

Get prepared with printable checklists for you area…by zip code or town name.

Our family is going to be counting and I will share our results here on the blog soon!

Here is our bird list results from 2015: Great Backyard Bird Count Results 2015

Grosbeak Feb 2016 (13)

 

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Morristown National Historical Park – Tips and Images

Morristown National Historic Park @handbookofnaturestudy

Our family trip to New Jersey last autumn included a short visit to Morristown National Historical Park. Ever since I visited Mt. Vernon, I have had an interest in learning more about George Washington and Morristown gave me a little bit more information about an interesting person from history. We have all heard the story of Valley Forge but Morristown is where Washington spent the winter of 1779-1780 which ended up being the coldest winter on record (Valley Forge was 77-78).

Not only is Morristown a place of history, it is also a place of natural beauty that has been preserved for our outdoor enjoyment. You can hike on the 26 miles of trails or bike the roads of the park….we enjoyed our short visit and would recommend adding it to your New Jersey itinerary if you have some time.

 

Morristown Fort Nonsense @handbookofnaturestudy

There are actually three distinct parts to this national historical site. The first stop could be George Washington’s headquarters which are actually in the town of Morristown. We didn’t stop there but headed up on the hill overlooking the town to see Fort Nonsense. There wasn’t much to see there except the signs and a gorgeous view.

Morristown Historic Park Oct 2015 (4)
It gave us a more complete picture of the purpose of making this the stopping stop for the Continental Army that winter. For our California family, this was just a taste of Revolutionary War history…something we don’t get to experience very often.

Morristown Historic Park Oct 2015 (5)

The first challenge in visiting the actual winter encampment is to find the place! We were glad we had our navigation going because it is off the beaten path a bit. Gorgeous area of New Jersey! It was a gray Tuesday and when we pulled into the parking lot of the visitor center there were only a few cars. It may have had something to do with the visitor center being closed…what a disappointment! We should have looked it up ahead of time which was a hard lesson. There was a park brochure with a map available in a box outside the door so we weren’t completely in the dark about how to find some interesting things to do.

Morristown Historic Park Oct 2015 (8)

We followed the paved road in the car up to this area which is called Pennsylvania Line Encampment. There was a nice trail over to where they have recreated some of the log cabins. Can you imagine 2,000 soldiers living here? We didn’t make it over to Jockey Hollow in the park but that is where 10,000 more soldiers stayed during the bitter winter of 79-80! Now the place is a beautifully wooded area with nice trails and paved roads.

Morristown National Historic Park encampment @handbookofnaturestudyHere is a peek at one of the log huts which don’t seem very substantial but we decided that in the winter conditions they would have at least given some shelter from the elements. Tough times! Even though we didn’t have the benefit of an introduction at the visitor center, I think using the brochure and the ample signs gave us a great idea of what this place was all about.

Morristown Reading Signs

This was a quick visit and we wished we had more time and it had been spring or summer. The trails were very inviting and I know I would have enjoyed getting to know this place better.

More Tips:

  • Plan to stop at both visitor centers, one in the actual town and one out near Jockey Hollow.
  • Check for current operating hours!
  • There is no entrance fee for Fort Nonsense or the Jockey Hollow Areas we visited. There is currently a $7 fee for Washington’s Headquarters Museum and Ford Museum.
  • There is a Junior Ranger program.

You can read more of my national park entries by following these links: