Bring Nature to Your Window

Have you ever kept a bird feeder outside your window during Spring and Summer to watch the beautiful birds and mischievous squirrels come down for a nibble?

Of course!  I think that is a must for any household. If not, then you are in luck because I am going to show you some inexpensive and fun ways to bring wildlife to your window.

 Although I think the store bought feeders are fantastic, there is something about creating a nature item yourself that brings a sense of pride when an animals comes in to enjoy the creation you made.  I know when we have our Discovery Days at the Safari Park, the kids go crazy over making something they can "give" nature and watch them enjoy it.

During those cold days when everyone is locked up, these critter feeders are great ways to pass the time, introduce a lesson about migration or adaptation, and further create a connection with the outdoors even if it is too cold to enjoy it.


Many people forget about the abundance of migrating, and winter dwelling, wildlife that would greatly appreciate a free meal. We are lucky enough to have a decently mild winter in Tennessee, so I see birds and squirrels daily. This is a great opportunity to work on your native bird species, photography or just something to pass the day away.

Here are my favorite crafts.  We have to do a lot on a small budget, so the possibilities are endless if you want to fancy your critter feeder up a bit.

Egg Crate Feeder

Supplies:
Bag of Bird Seed
Jar of Peanut Butter (or Honey)
Bowl
Spoon
Egg crate
Hole Punch
String

1. First, we need to create our platform for the animals to perch on and to hold the food.  This can be made out of egg crates that are styrofoam or cardboard. I prefer cardboard as it is biodegradable and won't harm anything if they accidentally take a bite out of it.

2. Place holes in each corner.  These will be used later to string up your creation.

3.  In a bowl, mix bird seed and enough peanut butter (or honey) to coat the seeds .  The amount will depend on how large your egg crate is.  Use a spoon to scoop out tablespoon size portions into each division.

4.  Hang up beside your favorite window and watch the critters feast!



Orange Peel Feeders

Orange
Bird Seed
Peanut Butter or Honey
Bowl
Spoon

1. Mix bird seed and peanut butter (or honey) on a bowl.

2. Cut oranges in half and scoop out fruit.

3.  With a spoon, scoop out mixture and place in empty orange halves.

4. Place in outside windowsill.

5. Enjoy


Pine Cone Feeder

Pine Cone
Peanut Butter or Honey
Bird Seed
String
Paint Brush or plastic knife

1. Paint pine cone with peanut butter or honey.

2. Place over bowl (or sink) and sprinkle bird seed while spinning pine cone.

3.  Repeat until pine cone is well coated.

4. Use string to tie up your creation.



For more DIY Nature Feeders, visit Bright Nest.



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Some of the best conservationists are sitting right in front of you. . .just waiting to be inspired. . . 

Do you have a favorite nature project?  I want to know, so please share below.

The Endangered Species Game

Do you like games that are engaging, unpredictable and teach you something new?? 

The Endangered Species Game is a fan favorite when the weather is dreary and you can't go outside.  The setup is quick; the process is easy and can be repeated many times with a different outcome each game played! You can even invent your own scenarios for different endangered species when you get the hang of it.  You and the kiddos are bound to have a fun adventure with the Endangered Species Game.

Background:  

The Mauritius kestrel (Falco punctatus) was a bird that once flourished beside the dodo bird.  Although the dodo bird did not last long ofter colonization of the islands, the Mauritius kestrel survived and remained in good numbers until the 1960's.  Due to DDT, a pesticide that created fragile eggshells after being ingested by the females, and invasive species, the kestrel population dropped drastically.  By 1974, only 4 birds remained.  The Mauritius kestrel was considered the rarest bird in the world. 

Unfortunately previous hatching attempts were not successful due to infertility and equipment malfunction.  In 1974, two conservationists (Gerald Durrell and Carl Jones) established a wildlife sanctuary on the the island to help the birds.  Jones would take the first egg the parents laid and offer extra food to the pair; as a result, the parents would double clutch and incubate the second egg themselves. Carl would also incubate the eggs he collected and raised the chicks with a puppet that looked like a kestrel mother. Then, through a process called hacking, he was able to release the chicks into the wild once they were old enough. 

Fortunately for the kestrel, the hard work of these conservationists paid off and there are now a healthy population on the island.  

Supplies:

Scenario list (provided below)

Small pieces of paper numbered 1-20 ( Repeat numbers if needed so that every student gets a numbered piece of paper) 

White board

Marker

Directions:

• Cut up pieces of paper and number 1-13.  Cut and number more if needed so that every student has a piece. (**Hint: Laminate pieces to reuse at a later time**)
• Place pieces of paper in bowl and mix.  Allow each student to pick from the bowl.
• Determine an order for each student to call out their number. This can be by seat order or name roster.  The goal is to have variety in number order.
• Begin with your population number of 2.2.0 (males.females.offspring) on the white board.  
• One at a time, allow each student to call out his/her number.  Match the number to the scenario list and read the scenario.  Each scenario will say if your population increased, decreased, or stayed the same.  For instance: Congradulations!  Two chicks hatched. +1.1  . . . .This means you will add one male and one female to your population. The current population of 2.2.0, now becomes 3.3.0
• If this is too confusing, write MALE and FEMALE, or BOY and GIRL, and place tally marks underneath to represent animals. Add more class participation by having students be in charge of the tallying as well. 
• Continue until every student has said their number and see if you species survives. 
• Note: If you attempt this and your population does not last, you may want to start with a larger beginning population, like 10.10  or 10 males and 10 females.

***NOTE- This an also be played with you and your little nature lover.  Place all numbered pieces in a bowl and take turns pulling out a number.  Have them do the tallying and adding while you read the scenario***

Goal:

The Mauritius Kestrel made a phenomenal comeback, but with only a few surviving individuals, the outcome isn't always so successful.  Many factors come into play, some good and some bad,  when trying to save a species.  Sometimes a breeding season is successful and doubles its population due to good nesting conditions and plenty of food.  Other years are not so successful when a storm passes through and knocks down nests or a female is killed by an invasive species.

Will your species make a comeback?


Scenario List

1. Female double clutched. Add 2 males and 2 females to your population (+2.2)

2. Found another pair of kestrels. Add 1 male and 1 female to your population (+1.1)

3. Mongoose found the nest before the conservationist did and ate a female - Minus one female from the population (-0.1)

4. Cyclone hit the island and now you can't find a female. Minus one female from the population (-0.1)

5. Great season!  5 eggs that you collected hatched in the incubator. Add 2 males and 3 females to the population. (+2.3)

6. One female became too old to breed.  No more babies. Minus one female from the population. (-0.1)

7. Disease breaks out in gecko population (a main food source). Minus one-half of population.

8. Successfully hacked another 20 chicks!  Add 11 males and 9 females to the population. (+11.9)

9. Egg eating macaque (an invasive species) destroys all eggs this season. No population increase  next turn.

10. Reintroduction program was a success!  Young kestrels are nesting!  Double population increase next turn.

11. Drought causes massive tree death.  Only 1 pair was able to nest on the rock face.  Add 1 male and 1 female to the population (+1.1) 

12. Ex situ program (breeding program outside natural habitat) in US was a success!!  They sent you 13 chicks to return back to the wild.  Add 7 males and 6 females to population.  (+7.6)

13.  Wildfire burns precious habitat.  Minus 1 male and 1 female from population and no increase on next turn.  (-1.1)

_________________________________________________________________________________

I hope you have as much fun playing the ENDANGERED SPECIES GAME as I did making it.


Please comment below to let me know if this was a fun game with your kids.  As always, I welcome insight and recommendations for future posts.  If you have a lesson you would like a fun activity to pair with it, just message below or email MsMalloryAdventures@gmail.com and I will reply ASAP.



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"Some of the greatest conservationists are sitting right in front of you. . .waiting to be inspired."

Happy inspiring,

Ms. Mallory

   

Help! I found an Injured Wild Animal.

If you found yourself in view of an injured animal you would want to rescue it, right?  Of course.

Contrary to what many believe, this is easier said than done.  A wild animal does not know you are trying to help it, no matter how much baby talk you try to throw at it.  The poor creature is hurt, scared beyond recognition, and sees some huge beast is approaching it.  Trust me when I say that it will not just "trust" you and not try to scratch and bite to escape if it is able.  You would be amazed at how sudden a seemingly "half dead" animal can summon up enough strength to cause some serious damage.  However, if you approach the situation prepared, with the right tools and mindset, then both animal and rescuer will benefit greatly.

Image by: Mallory Clark

For the sake of practicality, and the fact that I would never waste time taking pictures while rescuing an injured animal, I used this very agreeable raccoon toy.

Image by: Mallory Clark

Most important thing to remember is safety!  Wild animals can carry many diseases that can be transmitted to humans via bites and scratches.  These are called zoonotic diseases and can be very serious.  I recommend keeping a pair of heavy duty welding gloves ($10, Lowe's), 2 old bath towels, a med.sized crate or box, and a pair of goggles (not shown, but highly recommended) in the trunk of your car in case of such instances while driving home.

Image by: Mallory Clark

Okay, you have your trunk full of safety supplies and you come across an injured animal.  Remember, safety first.  If the animal is not trying to bite or scratch you, then place the towel gently around the creature.  Be aware of the business end.  You know teeth and claws, but also remember talons on birds of prey.  

Gently place the animal inside the crate and position the towel so that is does not block its ability to breathe.  If the animal is alert and attempts to defend itself, place the towel inside the crate and use a broom (or stick) to gently coerce it inside.The crate needs to be large enough to hold the animal comfortably, but not allow too much room for it to thrash around and possibly injure itself more.  If you are using a cardboard box, remember that certain animals are strong enough to break, or chew, through it.   

Once inside, place the second towel over the crate and place crate in a warm, dark, quiet place. It is important to not "check" on it too often.  The animal is more than likely in shock and needs to be left alone.  Call your local wildlife rehabilitation center or wildlife resource agency to see what is the next step to get the injured animal properly cared for.   

Wash your hands after contact with wild animals. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.  

Remember that rehabilitating native animals, or keeping them as pets, is illegal in the US.  Permitted rehabilitators have gone through extensive training to properly rehabilitate wild animals so that they may be successfully reintroduced back into the wild.  Please do not attempt to do this on your own.  

Feel free to omment below if you have any questions.  For orphan animal care and more about wildlife rehabilitation, I highly recommend visiting http://waldenspuddle.org/animal-care/

This information is meant to aide in the help of our wildlife.  I do not recommend approaching injured wildlife, or any wildlife, if you do not have proper safety gear or feel prepared with the task at hand. 

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Happy inspiring,

Ms. Mallory

Some of the greatest conservationists are sitting right in front of you. . .waiting to be inspired.

  

Finding the Perfect Classroom Pet

With today's regulations and health scares, many educators have opted out of having animals in the classroom; an unfortunate affair for both the teachers and students.  Every teacher I have spoken with agrees that one of their main goals is to create impressionable learning opportunities that leave a sense of wonder in their students to learn more. Of course, why wouldn't that be a main goal.  It is my goal as an educator as well.  In return, most students I have had the pleasure of talking to want the same thing (although they word it in a much more entertaining way. lol)

Most of my childhood memories of nature came from my elementary classroom days.  I remember learning about an insect's organ protecting exoskeleton by touching a shiny hissing cockroach; or being able to differentiate a mammal from a reptile with the sweet and gentle class guinea pig.  So many moments that ignited the passion for wildlife that I have today. While having a "class pet" can be very rewarding and beneficial, it can also be high maintenance and a bit of a distraction at times.  So what animal makes the best pet?  Well, that will ultimately be up to you, but I have written down a few key points that may help you find the perfect classroom critter for you.

For some this may be completely out of the question due to restrictions your school has.  That is completely understandable.  Go ahead and read this post anyway.  It may contain something that will allow you to get around that restriction and bring a little wildlife into the classroom.


1. Budget
This is usually a top priority as you will be the main financial supporter of this cute critter.  I would recommend sitting down and writing a list of your top five picks and do research on the cost of care for each one. How much bedding will they need?  How often does it need to be changed? Does it need special lighting? How much is food? Does it need vitamins?  Do they need pellets or live food? How much is a cage?  Vet expenses? Etc.  As a animal caretaker, I would have to say (from most expensive to least expensive) the list goes: birds (I don't recommend birds as class pets, just my opinion), mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects/arachnids, compost worms.  This is definitely debatable depending on the species at hand.

2. Weekend Care
Will you be taking this animal home each weekend? Will the "superstar" of the week? Will their parents be okay with the animal? These are all important questions to answer beforehand because, ultimately, you will have to if no one else does. On most animals, the lower the cost of care= lower weekend maintenance.  If you have a snake that only needs to be fed once a week, then the only thing you have to really worry about is proper temperature.  With cockroaches or worms. . ..well they would probably prefer some quiet time.

3. Level of Distraction
How much of a distraction are you willing to tolerate?  Can you handle the squeals and tumbles of a playful guinea pig while trying to teach multiplication? Can your students?  I have heard of many stories about class pets not lasting due to their natural behavior.  It is all about researching and finding an animal that fits your criteria.  Don't assume that you will "get used" to something because it is cute.

4. Time
How will you make time to make sure this pet is properly cared for?  Do you have "Fun Friday" time where the kids can help handle your classroom critter and clean up after it? If not, then I would stick with the last three on the budget list. You can still have a very educational and elaborate setup without needing to spend a ton of time in upkeep.

I hope this blog does not dissuade you from getting a classroom pet.  In fact, it is meant to be used in the complete opposite way.  No one enjoys what they feel is a nuisance.  So my hopes are that this will be used as a guideline to pick an animal that best suits your abilities.  Just because you don't want a rabbit or a bearded dragon, doesn't mean you shouldn't entertain the idea of bringing nature into the classroom.  Some of my favorite memories were watching the different enclosures filled with "rollie pollies" and digging for compost worms when it was time use the soil in our class garden. So many of our youth do not have an appreciation for the outside world; in all honesty, most are terrified of it.  Something as simple as having a positive interaction, in a positive setting, can make a world of difference in their approach to nature for years to come.

Some of the greatest conservationists are sitting right in front of you. . . waiting to be inspired.

Thank you for reading The Nature Class Blog.

Happy inspiring,



Ms. Mallory

Visit my Facebook page for more fun nature facts about the wonder world around us. Great for the whole family.

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Intro

Welcome to Blog#1

Have you aver been so excited that you didn't want to close your eyes in fear that you might miss something spectacular?  Well that is how I feel every time I work in, with, or around nature.  The thrill is AMAZING!!  It doesn't matter if I am in my own backyard or on some crazy adventure, I LOVE every detail surrounding me. One of my greatest passions is learning new things about our world and then sharing that knowledge with others so that they may go on to teach someone else.  The chain of knowledge is a beautiful thing.

So first I would like to introduce myself.  It is only the polite thing to do as we will hopefully be spending a lot of time together in this journey to educate our youth about the importance of appreciating nature and all its wonders.   My name is Mallory Clark, AKA Ms. Mallory to the public, and I am currently the Director of Education and Animal Husbandry at one of the largest zoological parks in the US, a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, Natural Sciences Correspondent, animal presenter, and a self proclaimed nature nerd.  I am not an "expert" or a "scientist" by any means, just a passionate person that loves what she does and looking to share what she knows.  Phew, what a mouthful.  If you have any other questions about my background, just email me.  I don't find myself that appealing as the subject at hand, so I will not stay on this soapbox any longer.

Okay, now on to the fun stuff. . .Let's talk about the beauty of this blog.

As an animal/nature presenter for over 11 years, I have been through almost every situation you can think of.  From being unprepared for my first presentation and forgetting crucial elements to dealing with a group of students that had absolutely no interest in what I was doing, I have had to learn through trial and oh, so many errors to find ways that are safe, effective and fun.  With that being said, I hope this blog will help those who have a passion for nature, whether that be wildlife or anything else, to take the step to teach others about the wonderful world around them.  We will cover many aspects of utilizing nature to excite and inspire others, particularly children. This blog will include many topics about outreach programs such as: proper ways to promote yourself, handling animals around the public, topics of interest, resolutions to common issues, being prepared, going on the news or radio, and anything else you recommend. In addition, we will also discuss many activities that will bring nature back into the classrooms; these will be great for teachers and homeschool parents to do with their students.  It is all about exciting and inspiring others.

Some of the greatest conservationists are sitting right in front of us. . . waiting to be inspired. 

Please remember The Nature Class blog is for you.  This is my first attempt at blogging, so feel free to comment and let me know how I can better serve you.

Happy inspiring,

Ms. Mallory

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