The order of program presentation is formed to keep intrusion on wildlife habitat at a minimum. Therefore, we do wildlife studies first.
WILDLIFE RANGERS
1.Wildlife identification: visual and non-visual identification of what we see, as well as the identification of the unseen through the use of footprint tracking.
2.Once we have identified the wildlife, we locate the food source and habitat of the animal.
3.Participants are furnished with an extensive packet of information to fulfill quest and record their finds. The packet contains color photos of animals, tracks, food and habitat.
This program is adaptable to all ages.
TREE INVESTIGATORS
1.Participants are furnished with a packet of information containing color photos of the trees common to southern Ohio. The packets explain the uses of these trees to both human and animal life.
2.Participants are taken on a guided tour identify the trees in the wild. Many times, we actually observe the animals in their use of these trees.
3.During the tour and investigation of trees, the human need for trees is discussed, including trees as they provide oxygen, timber, woodlands and wildlife habitat.
SOIL RESEARCHERS
1.Soils are one of the most poorly researched habitats on Earth. For example, thousands of species of microbes and invertebrates inhabit just one square meter of temperate grassland soil. Organisms whose identities and contributions to sustaining our world are largely undiscovered. The functioning of this think, dark covering on the surface of the earth is vital for the survival of the biosphere in its present form.
2.At Bramble Creek Farms, we investigate what lives in three different soil environments: deep woodland soil, tillable grasslands and along the aquatic ecosystem of Bramble Creek itself.
3.Packets of information and equipment are provided to perform guided research and investigate these soils.
4.Color photos to identify what we dig up, all the necessary equipment including a 10x hand-held magnifying glass for close-up viewing and charts to record our findings are included. Helpful directions are designed to make this experience a wonderful introduction to the largely ignored study of soil.
WATER DETECTIVES
1.It is important that our youngest of students gain at least minimal understanding of our aquatic ecosystem.
By connecting the relationship among flora, fauna, humans and water, even the youngest of inheritors of our world will begin to see the need to pay closer attention to our world’s ever-dwindling fresh water supply.
Our aquatic detections program at Bramble Creek is great any age young or old.
Be prepared to get wet. We go into the water and investigate what cannot be seen by the naked eye. What’s alive in the water is what makes an ecosystem.
Bramble Creek is a free-running spring fed stream, unpolluted by sewage or agricultural run-off.
We identify numerous species of plants and animals that are necessary in a viable water source through the process of stream dipping and screening. All gear and equipment, including a 10x hand-held magnifying glass and resource material to identify and record findings are provided for each detective.
We suggest an extra pair of old shoes and socks be brought along by each participant.
While at Bramble Creek Farms students will tour a chemical free berry farming operation and view a solar powered livestock and equipment building important factors as to how we all may have to live in the future.
This is an all day field trip. Students should bring packed lunches and supplies for two snack breaks.
The cost for a day at Bramble Creek Farms: $8.50 per student. Teachers and field trip aides (no charge).
