October has ushered in the glory of fall—first with warm air and bright sunshine, and now, as the month fades, with cool, crisp mornings that make a campfire the perfect way to begin the day. Though the weather has been dry, the colors remain vibrant against the deep cobalt skies. I feel deeply fortunate to spend abundant time outdoors, learning from the Natural World as the seasons shift and the forest beings quietly prepare themselves for a new cycle of change and growth, as do we all.

Tree Anatomy and Fire Building

Our students also spent time this week learning about tree trunk anatomy and the purpose of each layer. Next week, we will revisit the details we’ve discussed this month and add a study of leaf veins and mycelium. Soon, all the leaves will be off the trees, making identification more difficult for our novice botanists.
 

We made sure to intentionally soak in the beauty of the day on Friday. I can’t fully describe how lovely the forest is at this time of year! This past Friday was particularly inviting, with a gentle wind rattling the leaves above us. We spent some time quietly listening and sharing observations—these really are magical days.

It seemed only fitting to celebrate the wonder of the day with a warm fire and a couple rounds of s’mores. The students are becoming skilled at gathering their own fire-building materials and using a striker to ignite a flame. We are proud of their fortitude and determination—it’s not always easy to start a fire without matches but it is a critical skill to master.

Coming Up

• November 7th: On campus, we'll finish our study of trees and practice orienteering! A special thanks to Ms. Kistemaker (Arya’s Grandma) for sharing her enthusiasm, creativity, and treasures to make this activity extra special. Students will use a compass and map to go on a scavenger hunt around campus to find goodies. I can’t wait!

• November 14th: No Nature Intensive today. Students will attend regular classes and use this time to catch up on PBL work. Those attending our optional Action Team meeting will join the group to help in the garden from 3–4 p.m.

• November 21st: Off-campus at Meadowview Biological Research Station to study pitcher plant adaptations, bog habitats, and the importance of fire within an ecosystem.

• November 28th: No Intensive—Thanksgiving Break

Knowledge of Place:  Beginning Tree Study

Many naturalists in our region know Harry Puffenberger—a man with a vast store of natural knowledge and an easy, generous way of sharing it. As a Master Naturalist, Harry is an expert in trees.  He joined our students for a walk through campus, helping them discover what had always been in plain sight.

Like most middle schoolers, our students sometimes find it challenging to slow down and truly see the world around them, but Harry’s patience set the perfect tone. His calm enthusiasm invited them into a space of both wonder and inquiry—a reminder that nature’s best lessons often come when we take the time to look closely.

Our students learned that the Willow Oak, which stands proudly by the Civil War aged remnants of the Ice House, is one of the largest and steadiest growing Oaks.  We also pondered the fact that this magnificent tree comes from the smallest of acorns.  One of our students, upon opening the fruit, noted the brilliant orange meat inside, prized for its high fat content, it will be a valuable food source for the animals, during winter.

The students also took advantage of the bounty of walnuts that we have on the property.  Harry noted that the maggots and other creatures that feed on the outside of the shell serve as a welcome source of protein for many animals, while also doing the service of decomposition.  Walnuts have a distinct, tannin rich flavor that appeals to some and repels other.  No doubt a little toasting would break down the chemical compounds and make it a bit more palatable- an experiment for another day!

NEXT UP:  KNOWLEDGE OF PLACE STUDY CONTINUED

We’ll revisit what we learned from Master Naturalist Harry Puffenberger and continue building our knowledge of the trees that share our Brompton campus. For novice tree enthusiasts, identification becomes more challenging once the leaves have fallen, making this Friday one of our last great opportunities to observe and synthesize what we’ve learned.

Weather permitting, students will also practice fire-building skills! Please ensure your student dresses warmly and wears shoes suitable for damp, chilly conditions. Although we’ll remain on campus, we’ll spend most of the day outdoors and plan to finish with some cozy fireside treats.

Our students spent the morning conducting a stream analysis and macroinvertebrate survey at Alum Springs Park. It was a little chilly for leaky boots, but that didn’t stop them from collecting samples and recording data to assess the overall health of the stream.

Ideally, students will return to this same location two more times during the year to capture a more accurate ecological snapshot of the stream’s health over time.

Afterward, our students explored the rock formations carved slowly over time by the trickling stream. Looking closely, they caught glimpses into the past — a carving made by Civil War soldiers who once hid here to escape the turmoil of war, and nearby, fossils offering evidence of an even more ancient world.

For the final stop of the day, students enjoyed lunch and free time on the playground — a timeless joy that never seems to grow old, even for preteens. What a wonderful way to wrap up the day!