Spring Nature Journal: Birds, Flowers, Toads & Frogs of the Mid-Atlantic

Nature Detectives is an outdoor education class developed by homeschool mom extraordinaire Jennifer Deemer, MLA. Her goal is to get kids (and their adults) outside and wondering about the world around them. Aimed at upper-elementary to middle school skill level, this resource is great for anyone who wants to learn species identification and is adaptable and challenging for the whole family.

This book is meant to be used on hikes (missions)  and at home and takes the stress out of nature journaling. For each species you have been given a the common and scientific name, a picture to color and a few facts. On each hike, you can record the observation date, location and your observations under the Field Notes section. Younger learners will enjoy the "mission" and "adventure" elements, while all ages can learn new facts, names, and species identification.

The spring season (assignment) is March-May. Plan to take about 6 weekly hikes (missions) during this time so you can observe all the changes.

Species in this book can be found in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US which includes the following states:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• District of Columbia
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Key environments for this season are:

• vernal pool
• woodlands
• ponds

Ask your students to search for a specific species, solve a riddle or just keep their eyes open on your hike. When you find a “suspect” try to observe and record all you can about them. When you’re back home or in the classroom, you can do more research with online articles, videos, and in books or magazines. Let your students take the lead and see what mysteries they can unlock!

Learning Objectives:

• Science
• Taxonomy
• Species Identification
• Art (Drawing & Coloring)
• Nature Journaling (Observation)
• History (Scientists & Cultural ties)
• Physical Education (Hiking)

Species covered in this book:

• Northern Green Frog
• American Bullfrog
• Leopard Frog
• Pickerel Frog
• Wood Frog
• Northern Spring Peeper
• Mountain Chorus Frog
• Eastern American Toad
• Fowler’s Toad
• Skunk Cabbage
• Seersucker Sedge
• Ostrich Fern
• Great White Trillium
• Red Trillium
• Toadshade
• Jack-in-the-Pulpit
• Hepatica
• Blood Root
• Trout Lily
• Dutchman’s Breeches
• Squirrel Corn
• Mayapple
• Virginia Bluebells
• Allegheny Foam Flower
• Dark Eyed Junco
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Rose-breasted Grosbeak
• Scarlet Tanager
• Ruby Throated Hummingbird
• Baltimore Orioles