3rd Grade Wetlands Observation

On Monday, the 3rd grade students headed out to Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center in Hillsboro. The purpose of this trip was observe the wetlands where water has just receded from the winter. The students were guided on trails to explore how this habitat supports biodiversity in soil, plants, animals, and insects. The students participated in an activity to identify various plants and in a macro-life pond study finding very small organisms. Some larger findings included huge osprey, squirrel, hawk, and duck nests. The inside museum also had an intriguing, magnificent eagle nest in display along with some wonderful hands-on activities. It was a great trip with wet, but not pouring weather. Jackson Bottom is open every day, and it is a wonderful place for a family outing!

After hiking through the wetlands, Mrs. Conteh’s class visited the Whites’ farm nearby. It was a good thing we had our boots, because the most attractive part of our walk through the farm was the massive mud puddles! The class observed the old buildings, farm equipment, and crops, such as wheat and peas. It was a special time.