We gave a special talk today at the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation Headstart. We talked about snakes and preservation of our forests.
We really enjoyed the young ones as they were so interested in learning and were thrilled by the visit from Smokey the Bear.
Amanda and Henry were settled in their talk about snakes with David. When they talk about the venomous snakes of Texas, they use a red-tailed boa (from Columbia) to show the usual signs that are related to venomous snakes because it has the typical features (triangular shaped head, cat eye slit) without having the danger of harming the children.
The children are also introduced to snakes that are non-venomous that are helpful to our habitat. This time we had Casper the Friendly Snake, which is a rat snake native to Texas. Casper is an interesting snake because it is leusicistic...meaning it lacks most (but not all) its pigmentation. One characteristic common in this type of pigmentation is the blue eyes...it really is a beautiful snake!
While Amanda nad Henry were playing with snakes, Brendan, Zaira and I were given the special task of taking Smokey the Bear to each of the classrooms. I read the story about how Smokey the Bear became a part of the US Forestry Service (a must read if you have not heard this true story) and then in came the famous bear! I then introduced the children and gave them an opportunity to talk to him and take pictures. Most of the children were happy to see him but there were a few who chose to stay back! One boy was so excited and could hardly wait his turn until he had the opportunity and then lost his nerve...LOL!...he was so brave as he waved to Smokey as he left the room!
Sean and Edward were able to help with the outside activity. They worked with the Forest Service to show their equipment and play some games! They had so much fun and were so helpful!
After our fun morning, we had a nice lunch with David (from Friends of the Forest) and his daughter and grandchildren...along with all the others who worked with the presentations. It was nice to enjoy a meal with this group of nature lovers!
I look forward to working with the reservation in the future! Thanks for letting us enjoy the reservation and the great group of children at the Head Start school.
The children are also introduced to snakes that are non-venomous that are helpful to our habitat. This time we had Casper the Friendly Snake, which is a rat snake native to Texas. Casper is an interesting snake because it is leusicistic...meaning it lacks most (but not all) its pigmentation. One characteristic common in this type of pigmentation is the blue eyes...it really is a beautiful snake!
Sean and Edward were able to help with the outside activity. They worked with the Forest Service to show their equipment and play some games! They had so much fun and were so helpful!
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