SOUTH BAYMOUTH––At nine o’clock on the morning of June 11, 2014, a small group of volunteers rushed to put the finishing touches on a first time event. Although this was the third annual guided trail walk on the Bowerman Nature Trails hosted by the museum, an invitation to a Central Manitoulin Public School teacher by curator Charlene Fretz-Hyytiainen led to something larger than just a nature hike.
Two buses arrived right on schedule, carrying 87 Kindergarten to Grade 4 students, teachers, and chaperones. The group lined up, orderly and patient, waiting for the day – and the rain – to begin.
The youngest group took to the trails first, led by trail builders Dick and Eunice Bowerman. They stopped to watch a painted turtle sunning itself on a rock in the marsh, and then to watch the arrival of the Chi-Cheemaun. Many had never before seen or travelled on the ferry and were very excited to see it. “It’s big,” they said.
Mr. Bowerman had created clay figures and placed them along the 5th Street trail as a fun distraction, but this group was more interested in running to their destination than noticing much on the journey. They walked to Make-Believe Island and clamoured to sit with Mr. Bowerman on the bench for photos. “Are you old?” one boy asked.
Back at the museum, Bill Caesar shared his knowledge of fossils with the different groups and brought some samples for a hands-on experience. Mr. Caesar was able to translate his notable enthusiasm for fossils into an engaging presentation. His favourite appeared to be a cephalopod, which looked similar to a squid. He held up a model made for him “many years ago” by a student of his. “It looks like a carrot,” one child said.
“It’s just a shell,” explained Mr. Caesar. “These guys were predators. Does anyone know what a predator is?”
After some discussion, the students learned that predators could be raptors, bears, wolves, coyotes, and maybe even some dogs. “I don’t know why it looks like a carrot though,” a small voice said.
After Mr. Caesar had completed his talk, the students gathered around the table for a close-up look at the fossils.
Outside the museum, Sue (the “bug lady”) from Manitoulin Streams had set up under a canopy for an interactive presentation on aquatic bugs and invasive species. Students crowded around her display, looking at invasive species in jars, and more beneficial insects in small plastic tubs, asking questions all at once.
Sue picked up a bug. “For an example,” she said, “these are my favourite bugs. This is called a caddisfly. Look at him. He built this casement. It’s a shell made out of sticks.”
“What’s this?” came a chorus of voices, wanting to learn about round gobies and rusty crayfish and other species. The bug lady was a big hit.
Inside the Little Schoolhouse, former museum Chair and retired schoolteacher Jane Deyell talked about the history of the school and what it was like to teach and learn in a one room schoolhouse.
Fire Chief Jeff Wilson parked the fire truck in front of the lunch pavilion, and helped students to climb inside and blow the horn. There were smiles all around, although the biggest smile may have been the fire chief’s.
Curator Charlene Fretz-Hyytiainen organized the event with the help of ten volunteers. While the Little Schoolhouse and Museum focuses mainly on the histories and people of Tehkummah township, a place is not separate from its natural heritage. One objective of the day was to foster an interest in our outdoor community. Another goal, of course, was just to have fun. What began as a nature hike became a fully integrated learning experience.
“I’ve been here before,” one teacher said, “but you forget how wonderful it is.” She plans to return with her own family.
There will be one more guided trail walk this year. It will be held on August 30 and begins at 10 am at the museum. The cost is $5 and includes a light lunch.
