Monday, May 25, 2009

Horseshoe Crabs Galore






Went to Plumb Beach to see the annual mating ritual of the horseshoe crabs and what an event. There were thousands out there on the shore just after high tide at 9 a.m. We even found some eggs. It is a spectacular thing to witness. Check out the photos!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

FOURTH-GRADE CAMPERS






From May 14-15, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Singer's fourth-grade classes enjoyed an overnight camping trip at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field, where they compiled scientific data about the health of Dead Horse Bay, learned about the value of composting, roasted marshmallows over a campfire and layers them with chocolate and graham crackers and made delicious 'Smores, and slept outside in tents. The kids and teachers, including moi--Ms. Seitz--had a blast....and it was educational! We're looking forward to doing this again next year!

School Garden is Now Planted




Be sure to check out the new school garden on the school's McDonald Avenue side. The Urban Nature Club has planted flowers that will attract butterflies, plants like Buddleia (butterfly bush) Monarda (bee balm), Rudebekia (Black-eyed Susans), Calendula, Zinnias, and others. There's also an herb garden to tickle the senses. Check out the Lamb's Ear, Pineapple Sage, Rosemary, and Lavendar.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

A STRANGE TURTLE STORY


About two years ago, I had one of my turtles escape from its tank during the summer. I had kept the tank in my yard so the turtles could enjoy the sunshine. Somehow, the lid to the tank was not on correctly and one of the turtles figured out how to get out. I thought she was lost for good.

Just the other day, my neighbor, Sally, said she had something to show me. I went next door to her yard where she lifted a big piece of black plastic that she kept over some leaves. Under the plastic was a turtle. I checked it out. It was a female, like the one I lost. It was about the size of my turtle and it appeared to be a red-eared slider, the kind of turtle I had.

So for two years, the turtle has been able to ADAPT to the environment in our Brooklyn backyards. She probably feasted on plants and dug down into the soil during the winter to keep warm. I think it's pretty amazing that she was able to survive on her own. We call this RESILENCE when something is able to succeed despite difficulties. Now the question is....do I just let her continue her life in the wild, or scoop her up and put her back in a tank. WHAT DO YOU THINK? LET ME KNOW. Signing off, Ms. Seitz