Nature Study

Doing nature study on Friday mornings has been so rewarding.  It's fun and interesting and the change of routine is a great way to end the week.  In the past when we had tried to this, we would set aside time and go outside to look for something to study.  More often than not, we'd end up wandering around and not focusing on anything.  Then I came across this blog and the very simple (and probably obvious to most people, but apparently not to me) idea to plan ahead of time what we will be studying, and do some reading and learning before heading outdoors.  This makes all the difference.  After we've been outside and found and examined whatever it is we've decided to study, we go back inside to record what we have seen and learned in our nature journals. 

Last week we studied leaf borers.  It was pouring rain, but we braved the weather and were so excited to find some leaves with the little trails that are evidence of the borer's presence.

Today we studied sumac.  Fun!  We have some growing in the bush near the house, and a large grove across the road.  A few years ago we had used the flowers (called berries) to dye jute, and it yielded a soft peach colour.  We didn't know then that they can be used to make a lemonade type drink.  The red berries (don't touch the white ones - they are from poison sumac) have a tart, almost lemony flavour.  When soaked in cold water and sweetened, it makes a delicious drink. 

Heading out to the grove across the road...

We found plenty of what we were looking for...

A brave on-site taste tester...

A little diversion...

Soaking the berries...

After straining it several times, and sweetening it, one jug with honey, the other with white sugar, it was time for a taste...

It passed the test.  To us it tasted like iced tea.  I think if we'd done this in late August when the berries were at their best it would have been more tart.  We decided that we liked a combintation of honey and sugar the best.  This is definitely something we'll do again!  You can learn how to make it here.

P.S. For those who asked and others who might be interested, I hope to write soon about how Life of Fred math has been working. :)