Susan Unger and Megan Kane brought 24 fourth graders from St. Peter School to Salter Grove on Friday, May 12 to observe and draw wild animals and plants in their respective habitats. Small groups of students fanned out into the different habitats of the park supervised by their teachers, and FoSG members Peter Becker, Michael Jarvis, and Marina Wong.

“One student said that it was the best field trip he ever had because he was free to explore anywhere he wanted.”

Students closed their eyes to experience different birds calls and learned that birds are seasonal residents at Salter Grove. The groups that visited the vernal pond learned about temporary habitats and were introduced to the sensitive fern, which has fronds that die back when touched by frost. They also saw seedlings of Jewel weed, a plant said to prevent a rash from developing after contact with poison ivy.

Students who walked along the coastal trails found large mussel shells and wing feathers from different birds. Seeing geese with “chicklings”, they figured out that it was baby season.

One student said that it was the best field trip he ever had because he was free to explore anywhere he wanted. All the students had a rollicking tumble on the northern slopes before going back to class. It turns out that virtual worlds are still no match for the real one, especially when you have your friends to share it with!