Sausal Creek Trail Field Trip for Melrose Leadership Academy
I often tell my son, “Today is a good day. Do you know why?” He does. If he is having trouble, he reluctantly answers, “Because you get to spend it with me.” And it is true. Every day I spend with my boy (or my daughter) is a good day. Yesterday, was a great day, because the first graders from Melrose Leadership Academy went to Sausal Creek to study the restoration project and habitat.
Watching and waiting for the next field trip activity during the Sausal Creek Field Trip.
My son loves animals and habitats. For a first grader, he is either obsessed with living creatures or really smart. He studies animals the way I studied dinosaurs. We argue about whether insects are animals. (He believes that insects are in fact animals.) He has taught me that “water spiders” are actually “water striders,” and that the largest dolphin is… ? Wait for it? Just when you thought nothing was new… the killer whale. (look it up!)
I learn as much during the field trips as the students, and I suspect that the other parents learn too. (Here are more photos from our day.) We learn about the content as well as the individual personalities. I was reminded that we have bay leafs growing in our neighborhood. At one time, bears and wild cats roamed the hillside. (Berkeley Golden Bears took their name from the former local bear population… and if this is incorrect, I am going to blame it on my son.)
Since the whole “Killer Whale is really a dolphin” episode, I have given my boy more latitude with animal facts, with the exception of animal-music facts. “Moves Like Jaguar” is not a song, even though I hope Weird Al moves on this one quick… or quickly. Though you may not come to this blog expecting anything spiritual, yesterday was great for that too. Just when I needed a reminder from “somewhere,” I received the weekly blog post from the Reverend Anne Howard referencing … Mick Jagger and St. Paul. It moved me.
So while it is easy to focus on the negative, and wonder how life chews you up and spits you out, I prefer to focus on the positive path ahead. Some of life’s greatest gifts are free. They require effort, but they are worth the time. Sure, troubles will come, but they will pass. If only it were that simple….
BF
makes me happy reading your words.
Thank you Mom. Part of the post was written with you in mind. I will send you the background information or add it to my next post.
I Love You!
BF
Alice J Pierson-Knapp said:
makes me happy reading your words.
at 5:11 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
Alice J Pierson-Knapp said:
makes me happy reading your words.
at 5:11 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
These pictures are beautiful, they really capture the joy and wonder we experienced. It was a fun trip, and only 30 minutes from school on the 57!
These pictures are beautiful, they really capture the joy and wonder we experienced. It was a fun trip, and only 30 minutes from school on the 57!
Marijke Conklin said:
These pictures are beautiful, they really capture the joy and wonder we experienced. It was a fun trip, and only 30 minutes from school on the 57!
at 6:32 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
Marijke Conklin Thank you for the compliments and for providing me the opportunity to photograph the day. I am one of the luckiest parent/photographers in the country. Thank you also for being such an excellent teacher who inspires all of our students. In both classes, the children were engaged while I was there.
Marijke Conklin Thank you for the compliments and for providing me the opportunity to photograph the day. I am one of the luckiest parent/photographers in the country. Thank you also for being such an excellent teacher who inspires all of our students. In both classes, the children were engaged while I was there.
Oh, Marijke Conklin I forgot to ask who led each group. Did we have special guides?
Oh, Marijke Conklin I forgot to ask who led each group. Did we have special guides?
Bryan Farley said:
Marijke Conklin Thank you for the compliments and for providing me the opportunity to photograph the day. I am one of the luckiest parent/photographers in the country. Thank you also for being such an excellent teacher who inspires all of our students. In both classes, the children were engaged while I was there.
at 8:28 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
Bryan Farley said:
Oh, Marijke Conklin I forgot to ask who led each group. Did we have special guides?
at 8:28 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
bryan farley said:
Thank you Mom. Part of the post was written with you in mind. I will send you the background information or add it to my next post.
I Love You!
BF
at 9:21 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
bryan farley said:
Thank you Mom. Part of the post was written with you in mind. I will send you the background information or add it to my next post.
I Love You!
BF
at 9:21 pm on April 9, 2013
[Comment imported]
Bryan, your son is right about the bears. My friend, Corrina, who is Ohlone, came to speak to our 2nd/3rd grade classes and told the children stories about her ancestors and the bears co-existing together right here in the Bay Area:)
Natalia,
When I see the name Corrina, I think of the song. You also have the best email address (my son would love it.)
bf