July 28, 2022
Our Interpretive Rangers have wrapped up Week 7 of our 2022 Nature Day Camps with 6-11 year-old students from The Crest at Willow-Witt! It’s been a jam-packed summer so far, full of hiking, games, and exploration in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
Following the first few weeks of programming at Hobart Bluff, we moved Day Programs to the Green Springs Mountain Loop, an approximately three mile trail of moderate difficulty that pivots off of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Green Springs Mountain Loop trail is a wonderful place to bring children during the hot summer months as ample shade is provided by the surrounding forest. Multiple viewpoints along this trail offer new perspectives of nearby landmarks in the Monument, such as Pilot Rock.
Lesson subjects at this site have included butterflies & insects, coniferous trees, biodiversity, and trail building and maintenance. Students also love to discuss the concept of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, as many thru-hikers can be seen passing by with large backpacks fully equipped with gear.
Local wildlife, such as red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, western fence lizards, and the western gray squirrel provide additional teachable moments. More fun to come!
Words by Interpretive Ranger Elizabeth Mackey.
