Submitted By: John Kiefer (“Papa John”)
Challenge
In the age of cable TV, computers, video games, iPods, and texting, how do we get kids excited about the natural world that surrounds us in Lafayette? This has become more challenging, but is essential if we want them to care about protecting the environment and become good stewards of it as adults.
Solution Details
It was one of those recent sparkling afternoons, as the 'Daisy' Scout troop 30960 gathered at 'papa john' Kiefer's home in Springhill Valley for an adventure into one of Lafayette's nature freeways, otherwise known as Reliez Valley Creek. All were appropriately attired in knee boots, goulashes or tennies. One first grader sported unofficial scout foot ware with a 'daisy' pattern.
But first, with a unanimous 'Yes', off to say hello to papa john's animal farm with pet rabbits, pigeons and chickens. Questions were fast and furious:
- Why do pigeons and chickens lay off the ground? To protect their nest from other animals that might enjoy dining on their eggs.
- Well, all 3 of your rabbits look exactly the same- all white, except black noses and tails. How can you tell the boys from the girls? You're right! You can't really tell the difference until they're together. Then, the boys somehow act different. Much giggling!
- Does the blue / green egg taste different than the brown eggs? Color doesn't make any difference, but home grown eggs taste better than commercial eggs.
- Where's the rooster? He's just not needed to make eggs.
Then, down to the creek we go! Descending many stairs, we arrive some 40 feet below at the creek edge. It's decision time! For some, is it really okay to walk in the water with my shoes on? Remembering Mom's past utterances, 'Now don't get your shoes wet, dear'. While others were in the water before papa john. One young lady, feeling reticent, started hoping stone to stone. 'Just maybe I won't have to get my feet wet.' Slipping off with a splash, both feet happily joined the rest.
What will we see, asked one? If each of you will look, listen and smell we will find many things, in the water and out, beneath rocks and leaves, on twigs & branches, and high above in the canopy. So, speak up when you see or hear something special, so the whole group can enjoy it. Here in this eco system, all of nature thrives, undisturbed for the most part, by human kind.
At the first encounter with an unfriendly friend, we talked of risks while enjoying the creek. Yes, there is a poison oak, and I will show you how to recognize it. Watch for the blackberry vines over hanging, as they love to catch you. And here is our nettle plant that will gladly share its nettles, which sting bad. Any questions? Yes, are there any snakes? Snakes are everywhere in nature, but not to be concerned, because they tend to hide or warn you when they here you coming. Here's some poison oak and blackberries growing together. Which is which? Both plants have leaves with three lobes. Poison oak touches you with its sap. And do we all know what happens? Blackberry has many thorns, so be careful!
Stopping short of a deeper pool, everyone peered into the crystal clear water. Yes! There's a school of minnow fish! Which tells us what? That the water is healthy and supports many life forms. Passing beneath a wild fig tree we hear a symphony of sounds arising from a small water fall. The water is getting deep, so up the bank onto the deer trail. Look one says, ' a deer'. Disturbed from their nap, three others disappear thru the brush. How tall is this tree? As high as the sky. Yes, it's a eucalyptus and is the favorite roost for TV's. Looks of puzzlement! I mean, Turkey Vultures. They fly high, and want to roost high. Beneath fallen eucalyptus bark crawls a scorpion - just waiting! Returning down to the creek water. Look, there's a broken bottle. Let's carry it out, so no animal gets hurt.
As wildness & screams emanate, echoes fill the air from exuberant kids splashing the creek water passing thru a 6 foot pipe beneath the road. It's time to turn around. Do you want to return by the creek, or walk along the road? In unison, 'the creek'! Climbing steps back to papa john's, Mom's and kids enjoy treats and drinks, amid smiles and laughter.
Yes! Encourage our children to play in our creeks, learn of the natural world and experience its pleasures & risks at an early age. There, they can have a magical experience building forts, exercising creativity, and living out their fantasies, to better know who they are. They discover diversity and commonality in the natural work, and know they are a part of it.
Yes, thank you for our wonderful creeks in Lamorinda.
Benefits & Payback
The role of waterways in sustaining our Earth is critical. Children can best understand their role in protecting our waterways by experiencing the excitement and fun of playing in the creek.
Informational Links
If your group would like to schedule a 'creek adventure', contact Papa John at jhkiefer@comcast.net.
