The rain gauge had a beautiful web bejeweled with water droplets this week, and a layer of ice for the first time this season. During our morning data collection routine, we added a protocol for collecting soil temperature with our new Vernier sensor. Interestingly, we found the soil to be warmer than the air this week- the opposite of the week before.
The primary task of the day was to locate four new permanent plots scattered all over the Bear Creek Wilderness. It was a great opportunity to practice using our compasses to take a bearing and then follow it.
I love that I am not the only photographer anymore! What I don’t know is who took which photo, but I’ll label photos as “student photo” for now, and if any of them care to identify their work I’ll update the blog to give them credit.
The best part is getting a chance to see things from their perspective. Look, there’s me! We had lunch at Logstonshire, and I was trying to use the Merlin app to identify a bird song. I’m pretty sure it was a song sparrow, but I couldn’t get confirmation.
As we found them, one after another, we marked each plot center with a flag and put a GPS marker on our digital map. Rheah started a tradition to add a little randomness to our carefully selected plot centers- we’d all take a step back and she’d throw the flag into the air. Wherever it landed was our spot. We’ll return later to finish setting up the boundaries and establishing each plot.
The cool temperature inspired us to return to the village for skill time. Feathersticks were made, sparks were thrown, and soon we had a warm fire.
I tried to explain declination and the difference between true north and magnetic north around the campfire. There were a couple ‘a ha’ moments for some, but I’ll revisit the topic in the future for others.
I’ll finish with some more student photos, taken as we wandered about.
