Riverwalk Field Trip

Last Friday, Little Man had a field trip with his class to Riverwalk Park.  It is right on the Indian River, with a lovely boardwalk to walk on which leads all the way out to the river.  First we met in their educational room, where they had live sea animals and displays, had a story read to them about a pelican, and learned about the wildlife in the area.  This park is only a few miles from our house.

They learned about the gum tree, which native american indians would chew the inside and it would taste sweet, like gum.  Also a red bay leaf tree which is like what we cook with, and some very large poison ivy, which we learned NOT to touch!  In regards to how their leaves grow...

Groups of three, let it be!

This awesome live oak tree is more than 100 years old, and has a fern growing on it called Resurrection Fern. The resurrection fern gets its name because it can survive long periods of drought by curling up and appearing dead. When just a little water is present, the fern will uncurl and reopen, appearing to resurrect. This tiny plant has even been taken on a space shuttle mission to watch it resurrect itself in space!

Some boat docks on the Indian River

How lovely is this picture, looking out over the river with the palm tree in view?  I may blow this up and frame it for my beachy pool bath!

After the nature walk, the kids came back and made a cute craft. 

A pelican with some fish to put in his beak!