Journal Entry about Choke Canyon State Park 1/2/10

This morning, Jeff took Sierra, Melissa, Andrew, and Jacob on a Guided Nature Walk with Ranger Paul.  They learned about the Native Americans that lived in the area and what natural resources they used.  They learned about different plants, trees, and insects and how the Indians used them in everyday life.  They also talked about the mammals that currently live in the park. 

I stayed at the bus with Joshua, Katie, and Hannah. Around lunchtime, the others joined us. After lunch, we all headed to the Interpretive Center for a Reptile and Mammal Class with Ranger Holmes and Ranger Paul. The children learned about snakes, alligators, tortoise, deer, Javelinas, bobcats, cougars, and several insects. They were allowed to hold a baby alligator and touch a tortoise. Also they saw a petrified rattle snake and tarantula. Ranger Paul told us what to do if bitten by a snake and how to watch out for snakes.
Other than Hannah getting a little noisy near the end - all the children behaved well.

Thank you Ranger Paul and Ranger Homes. It was a pleasure getting to learn from you as well as getting to know you. 

This is Ranger Holmes showing us a snake. 

Here is Hannah holding the baby alligator. We were afraid she was going to drop him. The alligator was more afraid of her than she was of him.

This is Ranger Paul showing us the tortoise.

Sierra and Melissa have more to say about the walk and the class. I will upload their post soon.