FORMULA FOR INNOVATIVE LEARNING
Fifth Grade Field Ecology
by Gail Hill

Take:
a great desire to strengthen the curriculum

Add:
+ a change in the perceived way of science education
+ all fifth grade students from Central Bucks School District
+ the environmental education capabilities of Peace Valley Nature Center
+ PA State Educational Standards

Equals:
= A hands-on discovery, walk around, down in the mud set of studies, that focuses on the ecology of our region. During which a snake, worm, toad, salamander, even annoying thorns and stinking mud lead to new discoveries, arrived at by touching, asking questions and learning from what they find.

This new 10:00 am to 4:00 pm program introduces fifth grade students to real world science in the field. Data collection, biodiversity, ecological judgments and making conclusions of their findings are components of this day. The three focus areas of study include fresh water comparison, wetlands delineation, and biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) comparison of the field and forest. All data is gathered discussed, recorded and taken back to the classroom where it is put into an online database. Games and activities interspersed throughout the day add the enjoyment of running and playing, while pulling the concepts and judgments of the day's findings together.

Students collect water samples from Lake Galena, Persimmon Pond, and the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek. Chemical tests are done on the samples from each of these sites to determine the pH, phosphates, nitrates, and dissolved oxygen. The students perform all tests and data gathering themselves. They are truly adept at these skills and delight in their ability to master and understand what they are doing and why.

In the field and forest comparison the students study marked quadrants (pre-determined measured areas of study). In each area they determine the living components (biotic), sketch and describe them and then using electronic equipment take readings on the non-living (abiotic) elements, wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, soil pH, soil moisture, and the amount of light. After the data is collected students are asked to make judgments as to why and how the plants and animals have adapted to living in their particular ecosystem and note the differences between the two habitats. Delving into the wetlands study includes use of an auger to select a soil sample, identification of plants, judgments as to the presence of water. The students then determine wetlands or not, based on their findings and parameters of definitions. The muck and smell do not deter these inquisitive students in pursuit of answers.

Many thanks to the volunteer parents who chaperone this trip and to the dedicated teachers, for making this experience happen. My sincere appreciation to the teacher naturalists who make this program come to life. It is an honor and pleasure to work with the Central Bucks School District administration, support staff, team of teachers and school principals who have worked to utilize Peace Valley Nature Center as Central Bucks outdoor classroom for this fifth grade adventure.

Environmental Education Director Gail Hill 's diligent efforts brought this program to life.


CHUCK'S BIRD PROFILE
White-crowned Sparrow

In winter, Peace Valley Nature Center is host to a variety of sparrows. At least 13 species have been recorded here, from the common Song Sparrow to the rarely seen Clay-colored Sparrow. One of the easiest sparrows to recognize because of its unique plumage is the adult White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia Leucohprys).

It is a fairly large sparrow, about 6 to 7 inches in length. There are two distinctive black stripes along the crown of the head, and two thinner black stripes that extend behind the eye. These stripes outline the solid white feathers of the head. The back of the neck and the underparts are gray. The back is brown streaked black. The rump and the tail are brown, while the legs are light yellow.

Five subspecies are generally recognized and it is the Eastern White-crowned Sparrow that winters here. The other subspecies occur from the Rockies west to the Pacific coast, but the subspecies called Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow is prone to wander, and has been found in Pennsylvania. On the Eastern form, the bill is pink and the lores, the area between the bill and the eye, are black, while in Gambel's, the bill is orange and the lores are pale. In summer, this species breeds from Alaska east across the Canadian provinces to Labrador.

Although this species is quite common, we are on the northern & eastern edge of it's wintering range, and relatively few individuals reside here this time of year. But over the last decade, White-crowned Sparrows have managed to sustain a population in multiflora rose and brushy areas surrounding Sailor's Point at Peace Valley.

Look for White-crowned's from the parking lot here, or better yet, walk the edges of the field east of New Galena Rd. and Myers Rd. They forage on the ground, eating mainly seeds and fruits, but they can be flushed quite easily and perch in the open. Listen for their song, sung even in winter, which sounds like a slow "more, more, more cheezies, please." Watch for this handsome sparrow, which occurs very locally in eastern Pa. in the winter, and Peace Valley is one place they can be observed.

Chuck Crunkleton leads PVNC's Saturday morning bird walks along with August Mirabella. If you enjoy day excursions, then join Chuck on one of our birding field trips!


2004 HIGHLIGHTS

*13,000 students experienced nature through our "hands-on" environmental education programs.

*In cooperation with the Central Bucks School District, the nature center embarked on a new program for Central Bucks 5th graders (see front page article).

*The highly popular Clean Stream program for Central Bucks School District 6th graders had another great year. The program is a partnership between Central Bucks School District, the North Penn /North Wales Water Authority and the nature center.

*The Career Academy completed its seventh year. The program is for high school students and is run in cooperation with the Central Bucks East and West High Schools.

*We began offering Birthday parties for children.

*The Solar Building renovation and education fund drive continued with the Home Builders Association of Bucks/Montgomery Counties committing $100,000 to the project along with 30,000 raised from our membership and friends. ReVision Architecture developed plans.

*Our first annual Native Plant Sale was held and was a big success!!

*The fifth annual Friends and Family Fun Day had its best attendance ever!

*Held a successful fifth annual Friends of the Dove 10K Run.

*The nature center's "Johnny Elmseed" nursery sold trees and raised money to plant them at private homes, schools, parks and other public facilities.

*Director Carolyn Corey Jarin received the Lifetime Achievement Award as Ambassador of Bucks County from the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.

*The Bucks County Birders, Valley Viewfinders and Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association continued to enjoy using the nature center for their monthly meetings.

*The Valley Viewfinders held their second photography exhibit at the nature center.

*Trained two naturalist interns in the summer.

*Peace Valley was visited by unusual birds for this region such as the Royal Tern (a first for PA), Virginia Rail, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Gray-cheeked Thrush and Least Flycatcher.


News on our Solar Renovation Project

We are currently in the process of receiving contractual bids for the Solar Renovation project. Our estimated costs are on target with the quotes that we are receiving. Cindy Long, chairman of the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center fundraising committee, has been working hard to obtain funding through grants. She recently has had valuable assistance from one of our members, Nancy Labs. Additional grant applications have been submitted. The promise of $20,000 and materials valued at $80,000 from the Bucks/Montogomery Homebuilders Assoc. has been a boost to our drive. Former board member Don McClintock has been soliciting in the community. We have recently received donations from the Grundy Foundation and C & M Homebuilders. (The Grundy Foundation awards grants for youth, disabled, family, community arts, historical, or sports and camp related projects for agencies serving Bucks County. C & M Homebuilders have been creating homes throughout Bucks and Montgomery County and the Pocono Mountains since 1985.) We are still looking for more support from our members and the community and thank all who can contribute to making Peace Valley not only a premier nature center but also for being part of making a brighter future for everyone.


Help us Build a Brighter Future

We have past the halfway point in our Solar Building Renovation and Education Drive. The variety of support we have received so far in our campaign emphasizes how widespread an impact Peace Valley has on our community and the surrounding area.

We thank all of you who have contributed and ask that you give again this year to help us reach our goal. Education about energy conservation, alternative energy resources and passive solar is a critical component in building a strong and stable environment. This is a cause where your contribution can make a dramatic impact. In order to reach our goal WE NEED YOU.


VOLUNTEER FEATURE
HEATHER MUELLER: SUNDAY AT THE STORE AND MORE!

Once a month on a Sunday morning, you are likely to see a woman at the main desk busy at work greeting visitors, making sales for customers, and working on assorted tasks. She is Heather Mueller, who has faithfully volunteered at the nature center for nine years at a time slot that is not easy to fill! Heather's friendly demeanor and helpful knowledge make her a great representative of PVNC!

A resident of Warminster, Heather teaches Kindergarten at Chesterbrook Academy and has brought her kids to the nature center for our "hands-on" programs because she knows the value of instilling the love of nature and the outdoors to children. She has also brought her summer camp groups for a number of years. Heather was instrumental in encouraging her school to become a Kingfisher sponsor for the Friends of the Dove 10K Run. She has worked as a 10K volunteer at the water stops and other tasks since the race's beginning.

Heather likes a variety of outdoor activities. She enjoys campfires. This interest has spurred her to help with our Family Campfire program, held during the summer. Her favorite outdoor passion is photography, snapping photos of interesting finds.

Thank you for your years of service Heather!


FUN DAY BRINGS CHEER TO ATTENDEES

Thanks to the efforts of the staff and the help of many volunteers this year's Friends & Family Fun Day was indeed a fun day for all who attended. Beautiful sunny weather, soothing musical entertainment by Cliff Cole, and good food were a treat for all. The adults had fun bidding on our Silent Auction items, finding "treasures" at the White Elephant sale and perusing old barn odd and ends for sale. The kid's enjoyed a Venture Quest hike, an Alien Discovery Area, getting their faces painted, crawling through a cave set up by the Grotto Club, bubbles, and taking chances at the Kid's Chinese Auction. We raised $2686 in the Silent Auction and $700 in the White Elephant and Barn Sales.

Thanks to Grace Gottschall for running the White Elephant Sale, Judy Mirabella for assistance with the Silent Auction, Dottie Ritter for lunch service, Augie Mirabella for the Barn Sale and the following people for their invaluable help in a variety of ways.

Steve Berkson
Ellen Boucher
Sharon Brauer
Rick Colello
David Drake
Marianne Dubresson
Cody Garges
Dylan Garges
Kerrie Garges
Renee Gerheart
Phil Getty
Trish Harrington
Barbara Heisch
Leah Hill
Jessica Huff
Dick Lehman
Sue Sandberg
Carolyn Schaupp
Bill Strunk
Joan Wonsidler

Thanks to Hatfield Packing, Tabora Farms, and B&B Beverages for contributing to our lunch.

Special thanks to the following businesses and individuals who contributed to our Silent Auction

Accent on Animals
Bromm's Lullaby Farm
Bucks Co.Parks & Recreation Dept.
Chambers Restaurant
Dave's Sport Center
Dublin Agway
Furlong Lamp & Lighting
Italian Delight
Jeanette's Hallmark Shoppe
M & T Bank
None Such Farm
Osbaldeston's Pet Store
Pina's Pizza
Regal Entertainment Group
Roman Delight
Spice Smuggler
Stutz Candy Co.
Super Fresh
Trac Records
Joan Bitzer
Ellen Boucher
Alan Brady
Dee & Frank Burns
Jack & Carol Connard
Glenn Dutterer
Phil Getty
Russ Johnson
Jim & Erika Luitweiler
Leda Manfre
Judy & August Mirabella
Debbie Risko
Sue Sandberg
Carolyn Schaupp
Dorothy Scheingold


Welcome new members!

Partners - $100:
Noelle & Andrew Aldinger

Contributor $50:
Patricia Franken

Individuals & Families:
Pamela Abraham
Bhatt Family
Carole Carey-Bruning
S. Kelleher & A. Devido
Susan Dwornikowski
Michelle Edgar
Mary M. Fowler
Alan Gold
Scott & Colleen Haag
Dana Isley
Peg & Dag Johnson
Mark Jolly
Dr. Kathi Knight
Victoria Lilga
Yvonne Love
Jim Lynch
Vicki L. Mann
Jim McGowan
Richard Pfaff
Janice Rebre & Craig Gotowski
Bob Shuster
Mr. & Mrs. Frederic Strawbridge
Alan & Connie Victor
Cari Wild

THANK YOU...

For Plants:
Dave Horn

Presenting Programs:
Joan Bitzer
Bob Hosh
Leonard Knapp
David Smith

Eagle Scout Projects:
Chris Simcox- Duck Blind Viewing Area

Alex Taormino-Multiflora Rose barrier near Bike and Hike Trail


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