Treasures of the Salt Marsh

February 28 and March 7:

In the past weeks, kindergarteners had a chance to explore the shoreline at Marine Park Salt Marsh in detail. Armed with garden trowels, the children combed the sand for natural treasures. Many discoveries were made along the way as children observed the level of the water, the color of the sand, the behavior of the birds, the variety of shells, the ice along the tideline, and the crunch of the winter leaves on the ground. 

Joining hands in a large circle, we quietly listened to the sounds of the shore. We could hear the lapping of the waves, the rush of wind through the winter trees, birdcalls, and the ever present sounds of the city reminding us of the imprint humans have made on the landscape. 

A flock of seagulls signaled their displeasure at being disturbed as they retreated to the opposite shore.

The children began combing the waters edge for shore treasures. As they collected objects, they brought them to be photographed before returning them to the sand. Back at school we will have the photographs to remember our adventure. Leaving the shore just as we found it is an important part of our visits.







Some of our discoveries included:

Barnacles clinging to rocks...

Floating ice with a hitch-hiking leaf...

Black sand beneath the surface...

Mussels clinging together in large communities (Mussel City!)

Part of our routine includes placing a bamboo pole just at the water's edge upon our arrival. When it's time to leave, we check to see the relationship of the pole to the water. The photo below was taken on February 28, the following photo was taken on March 7. Can you tell if the tide was coming in or going out on those dates?

February 28

March 7

The walk back to the Nature Center is always marked by the seasons.



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