Cultivating a Sense of Place
Experiencing the Wild at Elkhorn Slough
Focus: Naturalist Skills (observation, identification, recording)
Materials: Binoculars, Journals, Magnifying Lenses, Field Guide to Birds (and Plants if possible), Trail Map
Procedure:
Gather at observation deck and explain that we are going to learn part of the story of this place and practice being naturalists.
Introduction:
What is a naturalist?
Basic definition, use example such as Rachel Carson or John Muir
Spot the Pen game.
Have everyone stand in a circle around you and explain that you are going to hide a pen somewhere inside the circle. Have participants close their eyes and place the pen behind your ear. Have them open their eyes and find the pen!
Discuss the importance of observation.
Background Questions:
How long do you think people have been in this place?
-There is some evidence of Native American presence around the slough as early as 6000 years ago. Thousands of years before Spanish and Mexican settlers arrived, Ohlone Indian villages thrived in the slough's mild environment.
-Native American middens reveal that native oysters were present in the estuary from sites near the mouth (e.g., Struve Pond, Moro Cojo) to the upper estuary (e.g., South Marsh), and eaten by humans, for the past seven thousand years.
Why do you think this place is named Elkhorn Slough?
- Middens also indicate tule elk were found there, a possible source of the name
How long would you guess it’s been protected as an important natural area?
- Designated as the state's first national estuarine sanctuary in 1979
How many species of birds do you think can be found here?
-More than 340 species visit or find permanent refuge here, a remarkable number given the slough’s relatively small size. This roster of birds includes several rare and endangered species, such as the Brown Pelican, Snowy Plover, and Peregrine Falcon.
How many plants?
-Over 400 terrestrial plant species make up varied habitats around the slough. Unfortunately, over 100 of the plant species found in these local habitats are non-natives, introduced over the last 200 years from Europe and Asia.
Observation Hike- South Marsh Loop Trail
At some point during the walk, spread out the students and have them sit and observe their immediate surroundings.
Ask them to describe their observations with a written description and/or sketch.
Ask them to respond to the following questions:
-How can I be a good steward of my watershed?
-How can I protect my watershed?
Definition of Stewardship (acrostic poem activity could be incorporated)
When we talk about stewardship - we are talking about caring for the land and natural resources that we've been entrusted with in a responsible way.
Journal Prompt:
Why do we need stewardship?
How can I be a good steward of my watershed?
