E The dendrology program is divided into four seasonal components. These activities are designed primarily for middle school students but are readily adaptable for other age groups as well. Topics include tree anatomy and physiology, size and age studies, uses of trees, tree identification, leaf pigment studies, the tree's niche in the ecosystem, and many other topics. Program begins with a slide program, followed by hiking the trails in search of insects. Students are able to examine and identify insects by a catch and release system using jars and nets.
Students focus on the importance of insects, their roles in ecosystems and how they impact humans.
Exploring Nature E Several of our program offerings here at Merry Lea are new. Exploring Nature is so new it is really still developing. When finished it will include studies on galls and gall makers, miniature habitats, edible wild plants, weather, animal tracks, water and soil studies and more. You can bet we'll take full advantage of our habitat diversity here at Merry Lea when planning for this unit. I expect to be finished with this by March in time for our spring programming.