Seasonal staff had arrived, and Jawbone was buzzing with the excitement of the start of the season. Staff were all getting ready for the arrival of Vose Elementary School from Beaverton, despite the late season snow still falling outside.
The bus pulled up to the Opal Creek gate and 39 eager and energetic fifth graders tumbled out. They were prepared for the weather, wearing ponchos of all colors over their winter coats, and not the least bit dismayed by the snow. Instead all were smiling and ready to experience in person all of the things they had heard about in their classroom. There is so much to examine and discuss on the three mile walk in, that even the rain, sleet and snow did not phase the kids. All three field study groups were late getting in to Jawbone. After a warm up in the lodge complete with some hot cocoa, the groups headed back outside to plunge their hands into the frigid waters of Opal Creek in search of macro invertebrates and salamanders. We did not find too many aquatic creatures with the temperatures so cold, but the soil samples collected revealed a host of microscopic arthropods.
Student examines springtails in our lab.
My favorite activity with this group was the night hike. My group claimed nervousness about the dark, and they walked with hesitation in a small cluster up the Battle Ax road. They spoke in hushed voices about nocturnal animals and adaptations and were thrilled by the sparks created by breaking sugar bonds in wintergreen lifesavers. We were just finishing a listening game, again whispering about the sounds of the creek and our jackets rustling when Victor suggested a group howl. Eyes glinted as everyone turned their faces upwards and howled in harmony. We may have scared off the animals, but on our way back no one hesitated even though the darkness had deepened.
It may still look like winter in Jawbone, but Vose Elementary brought a spring breeze into camp. Their enthusiasm and curiosity is contagious. Our season has officially begun and whatever the weather, we know that kids will continue to come and be inspired by the ancient forest
-Kaola Swanson, Program Coordinator