Nature Study at the Creek
There’s a wonderful orchard in our area that also has a free walking trail. The trail leads you down to one of the most lovely little creeks I’ve ever seen! With clear water it’s shallow enough to observe and play.
We made some great finds – an eroded rock with a terrific leaf fossil, all sorts of shells, creek critters and an unusual looking plant along the edge of the creek. Any guesses as to what type of plant it is??
And best of all, we found happy kids. What children aren’t happy exploring outside??
The end of the trail leads you to an open area near the creek where it’s said Frank and Jesse James once camped. Unfortunately for us, a little snake friend was already camping there so we didn’t hang around. I’m all about nature, but I do draw the line occasionally. 
Melissa and I are planning a creek-themed NaturExplorer unit for next spring. Until then, be sure to check out some of the other fun nature study ideas we have at Shining Dawn Books!
1Dana
wrote on 5 July 2009 at 18:33
What a neat little creek! And, so clear. And, like you said, the best part is happy kids!
I’m taking our Nature Group out tomorrow to a pond to observe the dragonflies… and whatever else we find! It’ll be a small group as it is SO hot right now, but I’m excited.
2Samantha
wrote on 6 July 2009 at 5:41
Thank you for your post – I enjoy reading your blog! Do you have a few ideas for doing a nature study unit on a creek or perhaps a resource you can point me to? I know you wrote that you will be coming out with one next year but I would love to do a small study right away. We are blessed with a creek in our woods right behind our house! Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.
Samantha
3Char
wrote on 6 July 2009 at 14:06
Beautiful pictures. Reminds me a lot of going to Grant’s Farm when I was a kid
4Barb-Harmony Art Mom
wrote on 9 July 2009 at 11:09
We had a rattlesnake visit us on our hike a week ago….our pup’s first glimpse at a rattler. We just high-tailed around the snake and kept our eyes out for the rest of the hike. Snakes give me the creeps.
Love your creek day.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom