Nature Strollers

The mission of the Nature Strollers is to support parents and grandparents in their role as primary interpreters of nature for their families; to provide opportunities for families to enjoy unstructured time outdoors; to familiarize families with local trails, refuges, sanctuaries and preserves; and to develop networks among families with a common interest in nature.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Goosepond Mountain Created Wetlands, 18 April 2009

Last week's cold weather didn't stop us from coming out to see if we could witness the American Toads mating. This week proved a bit warmer, and 33 people came out to see if the toads had arrived. The three strands of eggs we saw last week had hatched, and we could see tiny wiggling tadpoles on the edge of the water. While we longed to see the toads and were slightly disappointed that they hadn't made their appearance yet, this meant that we could get our nets and wade into the water without worrying about disturbing those seemingly delicate strands or the loving toad couples. Our net wielders today must have had quite a bit of experience... within minutes, Crayfish, Newts, Predaceous Water Beetles, and Caddisfly larvae filled Laurel's collection tank. Suddenly we heard a shout from the middle of the pond, and Laurel splashed over and deposited the largest water insect we have ever seen into a bucket! This true bug, the Giant Water Bug, was probably just over three inches long. It had terrifying-looking front arms that were clearly the inspiration for its common name - the Toe-Biter. The crowd around the bucket jockeying to get a look at this creature watched it in awe.
We spotted a single Spring Peeper desperately hopping to the safety of the reeds and the water. I captured it and we took turns peeking at it as it clung to the sides of the container. We then said goodbye to our catch, making sure Laurel released the Giant Water Bug deep into the middle of the pond, and walked along the boardwalk to the second and third ponds. We spotted some first-of-season Cabbage White butterflies and children took off trying to catch them. Queen and Ebony captured a toad, helping to ensure that we weren't lying about their presence here at Goosepond. Laurel showed it to children and parents alike. You could clearly see that Acadia was looking at it and wondering why anyone would ever want to kiss a toad, even if it meant you would marry a prince!

As we all walked back to our cars, one mother (and first-time participant in a Nature Strollers outing) glanced back and the tiny shrinking pond we visited first, wondering out loud, "Who would ever have thought there would have been so many things to find in there?"

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