Event Report - Creek Exploration
It was a perfect afternoon to be on the Nature Trail for this year's Trailblazers Creek Exploration! This marks our final event of the 2016-2017 school year, which was our most successful year to date. I couldn't think of a more fun way to end the year than with a visit to Naaman's Creek!
After a brief introduction and a changing of shoes, we rushed out to the trail to make the most of our afternoon together. We were greeted at the trailhead with endless sunshine and temperatures in the low 70's, making the creek quite inviting for the afternoon. We first visited our brand new outdoor classroom constructed by Eagle Scout John Colavito, an alumnus of BSES!
Bethel Springs is situated right near the headwaters of Naaman's Creek, which starts only a short distance upstream from our campus. The water flows up from a spring right behind the Coffee Station and runs down to our trail! Part of the east branch of Naaman's Creek, the section that runs through the Nature Trail eventually connects with the west branch of the creek before flowing into the Delaware River just south of the Pennsylvania/Delaware border.
After discussing what we might find in the creek, it was time to head into the creek! We scrambled the rocks and banks to observe animals such as tadpoles and minnows. We made it to the edge of the property, and as we began to walk back, we stumbled upon the wildlife star of the show: Luna Moth!!!
I have never seen a Luna Moth on the Nature Trail before! I noticed the moth on a tree as we were passing by, and Luke M. had stopped to rest against the same tree. In fact, he was right next to the moth without even noticing! I asked him to come away from the tree and stand with me so I could show him the moth from afar, but as he began to leave the tree, he noticed it was only a few inches from his face! After an impressive jump back from the tree, he turned and observed the moth. He was so excited, he had to get a photo with it. Then, everyone wanted a photo with it!
Pretty funny how sometimes the best wildlife highlights are the ones that are least expected. This was a first-time sighting for me on the trail, and I was thrilled to share that moment with the students.
All told, this year's Creek Exploration was a great success! Up next: Trailblazers Summer Camps!!!
Bethel Springs E.S.--Nature Trail Jun 1, 2017 3:20 PM Traveling 0.60 miles 70 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Checklist taken from Trailblazers Creek Exploration event. Weather wise, it was a perfect afternoon to be out and a solid ending to another great Trailblazers year! Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.5.0 Build 136 1 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 1 House Wren 6 American Robin 3 Gray Catbird 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow
