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Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Vernal Observations and Journaling

Spring is often viewed as a time of rebirth and beauty. The Vernal Equinox brings us closer to longer days which begin to signal new growth and budding. The phrase "Spring Showers Brings May Flowers" exists for a reason. I also believe spring is a time to recognize loss and change, and that all things are cyclical. Everything is truly Connected.
Prickly Pear, the fruit of new life

Mexican Plum Blossom strongly fragrant

The loss of a species but the life force for others 

Agarita Bloom
Duality of Old and New


The Name Says it All

Spring time allows the Green Academy to be spending much more time outside. We have mostly escaped the rollercoaster ride of 30 to 40 degree temperature jumps. When the rain and weather cooperated, we are maintaining gardens, preparing new sites, and finalizing semester projects. It is also a chance for students to make a larger connection in nature. Throughout the Green Academy journalling and observation is key. Students are taken out to complete Sit Spot activities. The goal of which is to become comfortable with silence, themselves, and the appearance of "nothing" happening. This allows students to become part of nature and invisible to their surroundings. Students can then truly see what nature has to offer. The Westcreek Neighbor Nature Trail is where we bring the students. Only a short jaunt away, it allows to be fully immersed while still being a safe distance from Small. Students are required to make observations using all of their senses and then write various literature entries in their journals ranging from narratives to fictional story telling.
Immersive Journalling

Gaining Perspective

Using more than one sense

While students were working, Mr. Rosenberg took the time to make some observations of his own.

While walking towards the trail, I immediately noticed my signs of the arrival of spring. The new growth of the Red Bud appear to exploded in contrast to the overcast day. Why does it always seem like the green growth and other springtime colors are more vivid on a day like today? The Purple Martin scouts are circling above. I love the real world connection to nature and science these birds allow us to integrate in class. The distinctive song of the mourning dove appears to be the only natural sound. A call and answer of neighborhood dogs seems to verify this. Once we enter the trail and students begin to silently settle, this all appears to change. Dawn songs and warning calls ring out. There are so many I can't distinguish where they are or which species is doing it. Tree limbs shake and shiver. As I pause so does a squirrel. Squirrels curiously hop and scurry as if to watch me. Bright honeysuckle blooms line the path. Students are partaking in nature's nectar. In the new growth of trees, nests are easily visible. Are they the remains of successful nesting birds or are they an early attempt at an evolutionary imperative? Time will tell. Grackles appear to be the only birds that have no feel or shame. They call and scream from high above. Across the fence the the hoarse screech of a Red-Tailed Hawk makes me curious. Has a kill has been made ending one life but continuing others? I am continually reminded of the cyclical nature of all things. Birth and death is a part of all of this.

One quick note. A new mural is being commissioned to Welcome all to "Cougar Country". The progress of the mural will be posted on Instagram and here. Stay turned.



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