We all need trees!

Trees provide us with the air we breathe, the building materials for our homes, the paper we use in a million ways each day and many of the foods we eat. But we are not alone-animals also depend on trees for shelter, food, shade, protection, water and air.

Find out how and then search for evidence yourself!

Water- The leaves of the tree collect water after rain and birds often use this as a water source. They also will sometimes bathe by rubbing their feathers against the wet leaves. In winter when many trees have shed their leaves, birds are looking for alternative water sources. Provide a bird bath for the birds in your neighborhood.

Food- Insects and other small critters depend on trees for food and the trees in return depend on the insects as well. Did you know that 80% of our trees and bushes are pollinated by insects? Bees, wasps, flies, beetles, ants and butterflies all gather nectar from flowering trees and in turn spread pollen from tree to tree. Many insects also eat leaves and needles as their main food source. During the warm weather months when trees are full of leaves you can see the evidence in the 'munches' taken from the leaves. A wide variety of beetles and other insects are wood borers, meaning they enter the tree through the bark. The Bark Beetle is one you will likely find evidence of. Have you ever seen cool wavy tracks on a piece of wood or tree trunk? That means a bark beetle has been feeding on the bark and wood of the tree. It is interesting to note that although some beetles can be devastating towards a tree population, the bark beetle recognizes sick or weakened trees and bores into those to feed. Look for evidence of bark beetles on fallen trees and trees with exposed wood- & learn how to safely log roll here. (fun way to look for beetle tracks!)

*Snakes also seek the protection a tree offers when they are vulnerable to predators. When snakes are about to shed their skin they often slither up a tree and rub against the branches to help with the shedding process. So many other small critters depend on trees.

Can you think of any others?

Squirrels are often found running along tree branches, climbing up the trunk of a tree or jumping from tree to tree. They spend a great deal of their time in trees and even nest in the higher branches. Look closely at the top of a tree and you may see a squirrels' drey. This nest or drey is made of dry leaves, twigs and grass and is constructed in the forks of tall trees. Squirrels sleep in the drey and care for their young in them. Be on the lookout for these fun and interesting structures in the top of a tree.

Decorations- Another way to find evidence of human interaction with trees is by looking for decorations (like holiday ornaments or pretty lights) or manmade animal habitats/feeders (like bird feeders, squirrel feeders, bug hotels, bat houses etc.)

How do YOU use trees? Hopefully kindly!

Every tree tells us a story, do you ever take the time to learn the story?

Dub each of your children ‘Tree Detectives’ and go on a an animal evidence hunt! Children will work on reasoning skills, problem solving skills, observation skills, science skills, and literacy skills (add in a writing or researching phase!).

“Perfect for: homeschooling, teachers wanting to incorporate more nature into their curriculum, guided self-learning, learning extensions, and curious nature-minded children.”

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