Spring is in the Air, and in the Pond…

For many, the sound of peepers is a true indicator of spring.  The recent arrival of warm weather has brought with it a chorus of peepers, wood frogs, and tree frogs echoing each evening from our pond out back.  This amphibian melody prompted us to venture out to the pond with boots on feet and nets in hand.  Although it was a bit early in the season to actually find any frog eggs, we did discover a plethora of early stages of life.  After viewing many samples of pond water, the entomologists in training excitedly observed midge larvae, backswimmer nymphs, giant water bug nymphs, and various other insect species.  In addition, the children noticed a northern water snake sunning itself on a fallen branch before it quickly slithered away beneath the water.  Wild creatures were not the only animals the children observed.  Our Indian Runner ducks paddled ashore looking for some tasty morsels. 

Pennies for Peace

The elementary students at 2^nd Nature Academy recently learned the value of a penny.  They discovered that in remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan many children, especially girls, never get the opportunity to attend school.  Through Pennies for Peace, children all over the globe help promote peace through education by collecting pennies.  One hundred percent of the money collected goes directly to building schools in rural areas, stocking them with supplies such as pencils, erasers, paper, and books, and paying teachers’ salaries.  

The Nature of Things children and their families collected over $156 in pennies and other coins for Pennies for Peace through the school’s February service-learning project.  The 1^st through 3^rd grade children then spent the morning at People’s United Bank in Merrimack counting the coins with the assistance of the wonderful bank staff.  The picture below shows several of the students receiving a cashiers check from the staff at Peoples United Bank.  The check was mailed into Pennies for Peace.  While at the bank, the children also learned about the field of banking and even got to assist customers at the drive through window.

To learn more about this charity, read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson or visit penniesforpeace.org.

TNOT Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Pancake Breakfast

TNOT PAC organized a successful pancake breakfast get-together for TNOT families and friends.  Approximately 200 guests were served breakfast in our new post and beam multi-purpose room.   Our new healthy and environmentally friendly school building was toured by many extended family members.  All proceeds from the event were dedicated our school garden project.  Each year the school children tend to organic gardens at the school and the harvest produce is served to the children.

A 30' by 36' green house was recently constructed on the school campus and will soon be home to a large variety of organic garden plants started by seed by the elementary school children.  Organic garden seedlings are currently lining the windowsills of the classrooms awaiting the completion of the greenhouse tables and raised beds.  In addition, raised beds will be constructed outside each classroom for the children to tend throughout the season.  Plants that have already germinated include several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Squashes, pumpkins, beets, carrots, cucumbers, lettuces, corn, onions, potatoes, herbs, and flowers will be planted in the gardens when the danger of frost passes.

 

New Kids on the Block

On February 3, 2011 Fiona gave birth to four kids, two girls (Sydney and Annie) and two boys (Seamus and Finnegan).  Sadly, Finny only lived two days as he was the tiniest of the litter.  Sydney, Annie, and Seamus are all healthy and happy kids who love attention and are very playful.  Sydney is mostly black with some patches of brown, Annie is mostly brown with one patch of white, and Seamus is brown and white like his mom.