Nature Canada

Outreach: Fun Haven Camp

Summer Outreach: Connecting Children to Nature

Outing: Fun Haven Day Camp

When: Thursday, 25 July 2013

Where: Mud Lake and Britannia Park

Activities: Nature Scavenger Hunt, hiking around Mud Lake, bird feeder crafts, and games

Black Capped Chickadee at Mud Lake

It was a beautiful day for an outing! We led 9 campers of the Fun Haven Day Camp, aged 5 to 12, through the winding paths of the Mud Lake trails, introducing many of them to one of Ottawa’s vital natural areas for the first time. The young explorers were instructed to keep their eyes and ears open in an attempt to identify some of the many bird species of the Lac Deschênes IBA. As we walked, we heard Warblers and spotted Black-capped Chickadees.

At the first stop point, we talked about what is and isn’t natural. We talked about how man-made garbage, pavement, and fences could sometimes hurt the environment. We then discussed how the location of Lac Deschênes IBA in an urban centre precipitated a number of environmental pressures. Nonetheless, the IBA was very much alive, which was evidenced by the quick completion of the Nature Scavenger Hunt cards by the campers. The children were instructed to record sightings of ducks, frogs and dragonflies, among other creatures, allowing them to remain focused and promote discussion with their friends as we walked.

Birdfeeders made by campers at Britannia Beach

At the second stop point we had a clear view of Mud Lake. Together we saw a family of 9 Wood Ducks and 5 Painted Turtles and took note of a large tree that had several Woodpecker holes in it. Much like a hotel, these holes would then be used by other small birds for nesting and eating. As we continued walking we heard a Mourning Dove and a Woodpecker and talked about how birders use their ears just as much as their eyes when identifying and recording birds. We explained that sometimes we can’t spot the birds, but their distinct calls can help us identify what is in the area.

We then made our final stop at a long bridge where the children learned about frogs and aquatic life. We talked about algae, Canadian frogs, and aquatic ecosystems as we spotted many frogs and minnows around the bridge. After lunch, we decorated birdfeeders in Britannia Park and were dazzled by the campers’ creativity. While waiting for the birdfeeders to dry, we played an educational game about population rise and decline called Oh Deer.

By the end of the day many children were telling us that they wanted to come back with their friends and family and share the IBA.

This blog was written by Alicia Cuzner and Stephanie Wilson. Alicia and Stephanie are summer interns at Nature Canada focusing on the Lac Deschenes Ottawa River Important Bird Area. They are both university graduates with a specialty in Geography. They are currently enrolled in the Queen’s Concurrent Education Program, and will be certified teachers in April 2014.

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