Today, Saturday, October 5, 2019, two friends and I attended a workshop we had signed up for via the Audubon Adult Evening School brochure which I received about a month ago, September.
It was without question the most perfectly designed workshop in any subject that I have ever attended. We had a short powerpoint presentation (and it WAS NOT one of those where the writing is so small and the lecturer reads it off). This one was photos of the males and females of the species the lecture discussed and their bird calls. My two friends are bird watchers so this was especially interesting to them. The environmental group also had a number of taidermied models, mostly donated, of various bits such as a hawk and an owl. Then we were each provided with two short tree branch and the second lecturer talked about the tree and we were to use our branches to identify trees on our walk.
Our walk, on this especially splendid cool and sunny fall day took us through a rain garden down to the Newton Creek. All along the way, our trail leader pointed out poisonous shrubs (such as snake root), edible and medicinal shrubs (such as sassafras) and a number of tree varieties, pointing out the invasive ones and the native ones as well as the ones moving up from the south with climate change. She took a water sample from Newton Creek and under a microscope we were able to see what was living in the sample and she explained to us the difference between a healthy body of water and a contaminated one by what lives in it.
Next we were each provided with gloves and tools to dismantle an owl pellet. I found the skull of a small rodent and all it's little bones. It was fascinating!
So, what made this workshop so perfect was that we sat and watched, then we walked and identified, then we experimented - it was entirely participatory and interactive and lively, so much better than a sit down and listen lecture. I hated to leave!
Next week we go to Saddlers Woods to hike and further identify and explore. Saddler's Woods, by the way is one of the last patches of untouched natural forests in South Jersey and in 2003, it was officially designated protected in perpetuity. That is a good thing because local developers and the nearby school are always angling to get the land, cut down the forest and build more condominiums or stores or soccer fields on it and only the undaunted efforts of local conservationists has protected this 25 acre forest so future generations can know what a woods looked like.
The Environmental Center is located at 143 Ormand Avenue, Haddon Twp. This two week workshop was only $25. What a bargain and what a treat! If you missed this first week, you may be able to get in on the hike next week and pay the fee. We are meeting at Saddler's Woods at noon. You can find the woods between the shopping center and the tall towers apartments just off Cuthbert Rd. on MacArthur Blvd. There is a sign. It is just opposite the aforementioned landmarks and the Haddon Twp. Library.
If you can't make part two but would like to go on the next one, contact the environmental group and ask when they might schedule another workshop. And if you have a group of 6 or so, they may even schedule one for you! I don't know, just thinking:
janet@saddlerswoods.org
or mail to: Environmental Center, 143 Ormand Ave. Haddon Twp.
I am not sure where you can pick up Audubon Adult Ed. brochures if you are not in their mailing domain, try
calling 547-7695 ext.4186
You can't drop by Audubon High School to pick them up in person because of security, so it is best to write or call.
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