Exciting Ecology: A Summer Camp Wrap-up

For three weeks every summer I am fortunate to get to teach at ecology camps for 11-14 year-olds, hosted by the Arkansas Audubon Society. For first-year campers I have been a co-instructor of Ornithology and Aquatic Biology. This camp is held in the Ouachita Mountains for two weeks, with a new group of campers each week. The best of the first-years get invited back for year two, which is held at the same location with a different curriculum. Out of those that get invited back for year two, only 12 come back for the third year camp. The third year camp is held in the Ozarks and is a BLAST. Teaching at the different camps is great and the third year camp really opens doors for both the campers and the staff, as we are able to do a wider variety of things with fewer, and older, campers. I just returned from the third year camp where we had a top-notch crew this year; staff included. Our activities ranged from canoeing on the scenic Buffalo River, hiking, tree-transect studies, geology, a wild cave tour, and more. The basic idea here is advanced ecology. It's sort of a dream come true, I mean, do I really get paid to mentor young people and be outdoors ALL day? Why yes, yes I do and it's marvelous. There is never a dull moment, especially with a group like we had this year. Being around these kids is rewarding and even better when you get the ones who remind you of yourself at that age, which for me wasn't all that long ago. I know they learn a lot from us staff, but I find myself learning from them too, which simply amazes me.

Speaking for everyone involved, I would have to say the favored several days are those where we go to the Buffalo River to canoe and hike. This river and its watershed was once in grave danger of becoming a lake. Due to work in the 60s and 70s, it was saved and is now a national river. Its emerald pools, extensive bluffs, and variety of critters are stunning.

The Buffalo River near Tyler Bend.

This year, we were able to enjoy 11 miles and 7 hours of it. The river was flowing nicely from recent rains. We departed Baker's Ford around 11am, stopping along the way to look at birds, snakes, conduct a gravel bar analysis, snorkel for benthic macroinvertebrates, and discuss some of the river's history. Before long, we enjoyed the song of a Louisiana Waterthrush, one of many for the day. These birds dance along the water's edge all day and indicate good water quality in the stream and river-country they inhabit. The day passed too quickly, but we were all happy with what we had seen and accomplished. An analysis of the macroinvertebrates showed just how good the water quality is; our 41 species of birds for the day agreed.

A hellgrammite in hand. These dobsonfly larva indicate great water quality.

At around 9:00pm, a Chuck-will's-widow welcomed us to our campground for the night and it wasn't too much longer before everyone was asleep; drained from the canoe trip.

The next morning, we took time to wake up by sitting near the river in the cool, foggy air listening and observing what we saw. With a 59 degree temperature in July it didn't take long. Within the first 15 minutes, one of the campers (who has been taken to the dark side of birding like me) walked up to point out a Bald Eagle sitting in the fog upriver…what a fitting bird for that cool Fourth of July morning. Like us, it was enjoying the view before the crowds of rowdy river-goers arrived. The Buffalo is usually not that busy, but everyone seems to come out on summer holidays. A mink ended our relaxing sit-spot and it was off to breakfast.

The perfect morning sit-spot.

Later, we were off to hike 3+ miles of trails at Tyler Bend. On the trail we are able to see changes in the dynamics of lowland vs. upland habitats. Pawpaw trees and Hooded Warblers at the start are replaced by rare Ashe's Junipers and vultures near the end.

St. Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides) in
one of the more upland/glade habitats.

After stopping for lunch overlooking the river, we continued on to Collier Homestead where we got a lesson about settlers in the area and completed our vireo quadrifecta for the day. From our shady spot near the old cabin, we could hear Yellow-throated Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, White-eyed Vireos, and one Warbling Vireo (a local and uncommon breeding resident and the first I've ever heard outside migration). By the time we finished, the day had heated up and after a swim in the river it was back to base camp!

The view at lunch.

Now that the 2014 camp season has closed, it's time to rest up for next year. It's a blessing to get to work with the campers each year and watch them grow in the outdoor world. It's not always easy, but there's never a dull moment and that's why I love it. Thanks again to all these parents for raising such great kids.