Scavenger Hunt
Learning Objectives:
- Explain one reason why dead logs are important in forests
- Explain one difference between moss and lichen
- Explain one reason why old growth forests are important
- List three different ways the Kalapuya used Western Hazel
- Define riparian area.
- List two reasons why rivers benefit from riparian areas.
[1] Preparation:
- Students will get into groups of 2-3 based on the color on their nametags.
- Each group will receive a scavenger hunt list and dry erase marker
A: Lichens use bacteria and fungi in order to make energy to grow, while
moss is a type of bryophyte, gets energy from the sun, and produces neither
flowers nor seeds, only spores.
Fun Fact: Moss covers a large percent of the world. About 10,000 different
species of moss grows on around 8% of the earth’s total land surface area.
[5] Stop #3: How Old Are These Trees:
Find a spot where everyone can observe a Douglas Fir that is at least 400 years
old and explain the importance of old growth forests.
Some of the oldest trees in HJ Andrews are over 650 years old! That’s about
when Christopher Columbus discovered America!
[2] Introduce Activity:
- We are going to be observing different parts of the forest and how why
they are so interesting and important.
-There will be six stops along this trail where we will have a brief lecture and
you will have opportunities to look for things on the scavenger hunt lists.
Q: Why are old growth forests important?
A: They provide a special habitat to an incredible number of species,
including some extremely rare ones, and there isn’t many Old Growth forests
left!
[3] Stop #1: Decaying Log:
Stop at a dead, decaying log. Make sure you choose a specific log where you
have a chance to look inside.
The ground layer of an Old Growth is just as important, because that is
where most of the action is happening and there are more species on the
forest floor.
Q: Why are dead/decaying logs important to forests?
A: Dead logs hold in moisture, carbon, and nitrogen, which are very
important to helping keep the soil healthy for a variety of plants to grow in.
Q: What lives in or on dead logs?
A: Lots of different insects like beetles, termites, and worms. They also make
great habitats for mosses, lichens, and fungi.
Q: How tall do you think Douglas Fir trees can get?
A: Research suggests between 430 and 475 feet. That’s longer than a
football field!
[4] Stop #2: Mosses and Lichens:
Point out the different types of lichens visible in the forest. Crustos lichen is when it appears to be crusty and hard (see lung lichen and armored shield lichen) while foliose lichens are long and stringy (see witch’s hair lichen).
Q: What is the difference between lichen and moss?
[6] Stop #4:Native Americans and Forests:
Find a western hazel tree and explain the importance of this plant to the
American Indians who lived in this area.
Native American’s have been living in this area for 10,000 years.
These native peoples ate different kinds berries, roots, and fish (salmon).
They used every resource that was provided in the forest, including Western
Hazel trees to create baskets, carve spears for hunting, and of course the
nuts the tree provides every summer.
Q: Who knows the name of the American Indians who lived in this area?
A: Kalapuya!
[7] Stop #5: Riparian Areas
Find a spot along the river where the facilitator can point out to the students
the benefits of having large trees and other plants in or near the water.
Q: Who can tell me what they remember about riparian areas from lesson
two?
A: Fallen logs in the river make some parts of the river calmer, and provide
protection for little juvenile fish.
Large trees also provide shade to help keep the water nice and cold.
Leaves and logs that fall into the stream also add nutrients and provide food
or some of the animals that live in the water.
Talk about how the McKenzie River is the source of Eugene and Springfield’s
drinking water.
The Blue River is a tributary (or a river that flows into another river) to the
McKenzie.
There are lots of law and regulations in place to protect the quality of this
water because it is also so important to the many different aquatic animals
Q: Who can name the animals we learned about that depend on this river?
A: The River Otter, Great Blue Heron, Blue Eyed Darner, Red Legged Frog,
Western Pond Turtle, and the Oregon Chub.
[9] Wrap Up:
Q: Who can tell me why dead logs are important in forests?
Q: Who can tell me the difference between moss and lichen or the difference
between two types of lichen?
Q: Can someone explain the value of Old Growth forests?
Q: Can someone list the three different ways the Kalapuya used Western
Hazel?
Q: Can someone list the benefits of healthy riparian areas?
Q: Did anyone see anything new and/or interesting on the nature walk?
Q: Did anyone learn anything new?