Designed to augment and enrich the public and private second grade science curriculum, this outdoor program explores the needs of living creatures in four distinct habitats and exposes children to aspects of nature and the environment they might not otherwise see. Only one class comes on each day of the field trip to allow work in small groups of 5-6 children per habitat station. With the guidance of Master Gardener docents who are trained to conduct hands on learning activities, students explore the following four habitats:

Soil, compost and worm bins
Each student looks at a scoop of compost from the worm bin with spoons and magnifiers to see the worms and other creatures (pill bugs, millipedes, centipedes, beetles, spiders, etc.) that break down compost ingredients (leaves, newspaper, vegetable and fruit scraps) and turn it into rich soil. This lesson teaches the value of these bugs and their importance in composting. How do we compost and what do we do with it?

Woodland trees, plants and wildlife
Students examine skulls and furs of Marin county deer, skunk, coyote, bobcat and other mammals and discuss concepts of predator versus prey, camouflage, night animals, what animals are in your back yard.

Garden
Students explore bird nests and materials used to make nests and search for birds and pollinators in the garden. What are pollinators (butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bees). Why do they pollinate plants? Why is that important?

Pond and seep
Students discuss what is a pond? How is it different from a lake, river or an ocean? What would you find in a fresh water pond versus an ocean? Each student gets to go fishing in the pond for water animals with pans and dip nets. They may encounter damselfly nymphs, water snails, worms, scuds, etc. to examine with magnifying glasses and discuss what they need to survive.

The Exploring Habitats Field Trip project is co-sponsored by the Marin Master Gardeners and Marin Art and Garden Center. Field trips take place on Tuesday mornings in the Habitat Garden from September to early November and late March through May.