A Day at Earth's Classroom, Part II June 26, 2009

June 26, 2009

My second trip to Earth's Classroom was just as memorable as the first. This time it was me, Charlotte, Beth, and Susan G.. Bill lead our group again. This time, we got an early start in the field. We all hopped in the trailer connected to the four wheeler. Bill was going to give a tour of the woodland.

We just got going, when Bill suddenly stopped in front of a blooming shrub. He informs us that this particular shrub is an Elderberry and that the blooms are good on top of pancakes. He said to pour the batter on a skillet, and then place the bloom on the "wet" side. I HAVE to do this!

We saw a lot of the same things that we saw the previous week. It was still just as exciting though. I still enjoyed watching the Sensitive Brier contract its' leaves when touched. The woodland (especially the burned side) was so open. It looks like such a hospitable place. Everything was thriving and beautiful.

We were going to work on a fire break again. This time, it was along a fence on the other side of the "new" prairie. In order to get to the woodland, we had to walk across a huge prairie that was blooming with Queen Anne's Lace and Black Eyed Susans. Some of the flowers were as tall as me! I had never had such an experience before. It was amazing "cutting" a path through the dense flowers and grasses. A true pleasure.

Another amazing thing was walking up to the edge of the woodland. It was closed looking-no apparent entrance. We took care of that and created an entrance into the woods! We cut, hauled, and identified things along the way. Working with these women (and Bill) was such an enjoyable experience. Post Oaks are good for building fences-hence their name! I learned how to identify blackberries vs. dewberries. On and on we went. Such fun.

When we finished cutting along the fence line, we tracked backed through the woods, using our brand new path. Back for another prairie crossing. We walked, talked, and sweated! Our visit was over. I think we're all anxious to come back in the fall for the actual burn. I can't wait!