Especially when you mix in some curious students, a lake, and beautiful scenery. For the Logan County 4-H Homeschool Club, students were able to experience a firsthand lesson on the natural world around them.
September 10th provided a pleasantly warm day full of sun, laughs and wonder for several students in the 4-H Club. After gathering at the Extension Office, the students along with parents and 4-H Agent Gary Templeman, drove up to Lake Malone State Park toward the north end of Logan County for some wildlife education and fun. Arriving at the park, students were given a piece of paper with the alphabet printed in columns. Over the next couple of hours, the club members would embark on an almost 2 mile nature hike along Lake Malone and through the woods and meadows surrounding the lake. Each club member was instructed to pay close attention and find an item in nature, something natural that God had placed there, for each letter of the alphabet and note in on their sheet. This adventure had many eyes scanning the landscape looking for all sorts of rocks, trees, birds, bugs, plants and animals. Also during the hike students passed around objects they found interesting to examine. The club members enjoyed experiencing the varied landscape the park has to offer.
Beginning with steep slopes, rocky limestone bluffs, large hardwood trees, ferns of all sizes and moss covered rocks the students began their journey around the edge of the lake. There were some great views of the water below and nature put on quite a show. Bending around a small bay of the lake, the various plant species and unique rock formations brought forth plenty of questions from each of the students. After climbing a small rock outcropping, the trail opens up on a meadow dense with small trees and wildflowers. The native wildflowers were out in full brilliance, especially the Kentucky State Flower, the goldenrod. Some students even had the opportunity to witness a small snake slither away among the short grass along the trail.
Out of the meadow the trail crosses the campground of the park and wanders down a short slope onto a flat creek bed that dumps nearby into the lake.
Some whitetail deer were spotted and several squirrels played in the area.
Arriving back at the picnic area, students then shared their alphabetical listings with each other. Some had witnessed a particular bird or bug, or maybe a plant or rock that others had not seen. Even the parents were excited about sharing their findings. Students had plenty of questions and also did a nature word scramble.
At the end of the program, many students remained at the park for a picnic lunch before returning to Russellville. The Logan County 4-H Homeschool Club is just one of many opportunities for students in Logan County to learn about their surroundings. Logan County 4-H offers a variety of clubs and activities. For more information about 4-H in Logan County just contact the Extension Office at 270-726-6323 or send an email to gtempleman@uky.edu.
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