Pyramid Mountain 03.04.10

Today we had the last class in our Pyramid Mountain series. Today was all about being outside and putting what we learned to use. It was a gorgeous day for a hike.

Is the tree alive or not? Would the fungus be on a live tree? No, it would not. The fungus is nature's decomposer.

Studying the buds and branches on the tree. What can we tell about it? It was a Witch Hazel tree.

Hiking up the mountain. We got to do some climbing today. The kids loved it.

Once we got to the top we climbed down these rocks to look at some Lichen.

Lots to be learned about Lichen. It has a symbiotic relationship with the rock. We also looked at the patterns of the melting snow over the rocks. The water is still eroding the minerals in the rocks long after the glaciers passed through NJ.

After we hiked back down the mountain we checked on the Maple tree that had been tapped for syrup. A very full bucket awaited. Mister B got to pour the sap through the net into the jug. With a little help from the teacher. It was one heavy bucket.