2nd week of Master Naturalist Core Training
/The second week for Missouri Master Naturalist Core Training focused on ecosystems and populations…particularly water and streams (and riparian zones). The class session started with a gathering outside to play a web-of-life game (note the string). The light was beginning to wane by the time we finished!
The field trip was to a place along Bull Creek south of Springfield. We organized carpools since the road should not be attempted by low clearance cars!
I enjoyed some quiet time after the flurry of activity getting everyone organized into groups and out to their first rotation.
Then I went on a short hike into the woods with one of the groups.
During the last rotation time – another quiet time for me, I noticed some yellow and orange butterflies in a sun filled area and went over to investigate. Sleepy orange butterflies!
I looked around…and almost stepped on the senna – which is the food plant for their caterpillars!
When the gear was brought back from the creek – there was a container with a large dragonfly larva….a great finale for my field trip pictures!
