HOMESCHOOLERS...SAUNTERING AND PLANTING AS ECO-STEWARDSHIP

Walking the urban wilderness in body and spirit. Homeschoolers learn about true Sauntering - focusing and paying attention to connect with life forms, the waterscapes and landscapes of the Credit River Flood Plain.

Sauntering is a term Tutored by Nature borrows from Henry David Thoreau. The idea teaches young people (and their teachers) how to go into Nature. Thoreau reminds us of an important thought that helped him to focus when on his daily saunters "What business have I in the woods if I am thinking of something out of the woods." (Walking, essay published 1862, p.5). This attitude worked well for the Homeschoolers. It became more fun, when they walked blindfolded - trusting their partners with their safety. Here these 24 young naturalists prepare 'sensually' for their first saunter where Fletcher's Creek empties into the Credit River.

HOMESCHOOLERS - SAUNTERING THE MOUTH OF FLETCHER'S CREEK

Postman and Weingarter (Teaching as a Subversive Activity) said it well, "The best time to learn anything is when whatever is to be learned is immediately useful." (sited in Winds from the Wilderness, page 3, 1982).

The Homeschoolers learned much about the Giant Hogweed (photo left) - or is it Cow Parsnip (what's in a name?) as we sauntered on The Credit River Flood Plain toward the mouth of Fletcher's Creek.Other 'toxics such as the Common or Wild Parsnip, Stinging Nettle - many native and invasive flora were part of Nature's Tutorials today.Such amazing young naturalists - pencil sketching, photographing, and learning first hand about alien plants that can cause skin rashes immediately upon contact. Some 'friendly advice to all' - "Always be dressed appropriately for Mother Nature's classes and pay close attention". It certainly was the best time to learn - this knowledge certainly was immediately useful .

HOME SCHOOLERS ECO-STEWARD FLETCHER'S CREEK - JUNE, 2010

Many critters came out just for us as we sauntered the Credit River's Flood Basin, where Fletcher's Creek flows into the Credit River. This particular Green Frog was making his traditional mating call at the Wetland (Retention Pond) within the Flood Plain ...sounding kind of like the twang of a loose banjo string.

The Homeschoolers observed and connected with other life forms too - many other flora and fauna in another part of Fletcher's Creek subwatershed - up near the creek's headwaters. Several green frogs find Fletcher's Valley to be a healthy habitat - the Retention Pond (a wetland) near where the Homeschoolers planted native shrubs. These young 6 -13 year olds made many more connections. Tutored by Nature Inc will keep you posted and invites you to comment here.