As in, the last few weeks of term, and Simon is about to start traveling in earnest. I can't predict how often I will be able to check in with this space-- it is likely to be spotty at best until mid-June. Thanks for hanging in there.
Before I disappear beneath a pile of papers and projects, a recap of Asher's field trip:
We went to a local managed forest where the Tree Guy gave us a guided tour through different habitats, areas, etc. I have always been skeptical of logging practices (at best), so this tour helped me to feel a bit more reassured. This is a family owned company who want to be in this for the long term, so they need to maintain a sustainable approach in order to profit economically. While there were areas of clear cut, there were also protected areas and a degree of education and awareness regarding watersheds, habitat protection, etc that I appreciated. I especially noticed how much planting and managing techniques differed between plantings from even thirty years ago and those from the last few years. A lot of improvement, which is hopeful.
Asher and his friend in the trees.
Oxalis, mossy trunks, a bumblebee in the salal, wet thimbleberry flowers.
Mushrooms, newt, false solomon's seal, wild iris, snails.
Learning about animals tracks, wood beetles and how to identify mosses.
The day itself involved lots of running after hoards of children through beautiful forests with a very knowledgable guide and capable teacher. It was pretty great, actually. We had loads of fun, learned a lot and found oodles of newts. All we could ask for.
I also learned that we can show up at the office and get a permit to hike on these trails on our own. Guess where we'll be this summer...