Summer Skills of a Naturalist: Wetland Ecology

Let's head down to beautiful Mac's Pond on our campus to explore the biodiversity of a freshwater pond ecosystem. With our nets in hand, we'll dip into the still waters to identify, classify, and marvel at the teeming nursery of macroinvertebrates and other species hiding down in the deep. There be dragons in those calm waters - Odonata larvae that is, and you will be amazed at their adaptations!

We've built in extra time for this special program so we can also head into the beautiful and mysterious sphagnum bog on our property. This is a 20 minute walk from the pond, so we need some time for our hike! The bog is drier, safer, and full of carnivorous plants at this time of year, and this wetland will be fun and memorable to compare to the pond ecosystem.

As ecologists, what are our 'look fors' in this unique habitat, to ensure it's health and vitality for all of the species that depend upon it? Come with your questions and curiosity, and you'll leave with bigger questions. That's how we 'level up' as naturalists.

THINGS TO KNOW

This class is rain or shine, so please dress in layers and always bring a rain layer, gloves and hat at this time of year. If we cancel due to weather, which is extremely rare, we will send a message in email and by phone as well (windstorm, lightning, etc.).

Due to the content and pace of this program, we are listing the suggested age of participation as 13 years and up. The content will be scientific and botanical terminology will be utilized. If you have an older child or youth that would like to enrich their botany knowledge, they are welcome to attend with you if they are 13 years or older. The ticket price is the same. Infants (under one year) worn in a baby backpack, sling, or baby-wearing device by the caregiver are also welcome with you, no ticket needed for an infant.

Please remember our campus policy is ‘no dogs unless they are a service animal.’

We always cap off our hikes with a sweet treat of our homemade cookies too!

Your guide for this program will be IslandWood's Senior Naturalist, Christina Woolf.

Christina is a Washington State Master Naturalist (WSU, 2024), Master Birder (Birds Connect Seattle/Seattle Audubon, 2011), WDFW Wetland Monitor (2014), Certified Beach Naturalist (2014), and Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association of Interpretation (2015), and has been joyfully teaching environmental education for over 25 years.

Christina has completed specialized training in Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring through WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife, and with USGS and FrogWatch USA's community science vocalization monitoring program.

Here she is geeking out with a fungi, the rufuous milkcap, Lactarius rufus, she found in great number in our sphagnum bog.

Also check out other Workshops in Bainbridge Island, Health & Wellness events in Bainbridge Island.