“Discovering Lewis and Clark”
Photo by Christy Porter
As instructed by Sarah Gaines with the Missouri Department of Conservation, students in the Texas County Licking Library Summer Reading Program practiced washing their hands, mimicking a raccoon washing his paws. Librarian Lee Ann Akins (left) mimicked the healthy practice as well.
By Christy Porter
Managing Editor
Enrolled children and visitors enjoyed the Licking Library’s last day of the Summer Reading Program on Friday. Missouri Department of Conservation’s Sarah Gaines shared who the Department of Conservation is and what they do with some hands-on examples and activities.
As she shared the Department of Conservation’s logo and Missouri’s resources, the students learned that the leaf on top represents the Forest – the children imitated trees, learned about being planted, and swayed; next in the tier is a Fish – they did a very good job imitating a fish swimming, albeit on dry land; at the bottom of the tier is a raccoon, which represents wildlife – they practiced washing their hands, mimicking a raccoon washing his paws. Many other interesting facts were learned about Missouri’s forests, fish and wildlife. The children also had the opportunity to feel coyote, beaver and fox fur pelts.
Gaines shared some of the details and a large map of Lewis and Clark’s Trail across the United States after the purchase of land from France. Over 50 tribes of Native Americans helped them on their journey across land and water, likely greatly contributing to the fact that only one person of 45 died on the trip.
The expedition group found over 300 previously unknown plants, animals and insects, not all of which could be sent or carried back to the eastern U.S. Gaines shared how the members of the group archived the information through journals that included notes, drawings and personal experiences. These journals benefited future settlers as they made their way westward in knowing what to expect and how to be better prepared.
The children then embarked on their own adventure, discovering eight items hidden in the library including a moose, scorpion, eagle, blue jay, cardinal, skunk, spotted salamander and red fox. Taking a supplied journal and pencil, they noted their finds either by name or drawing.
When they returned to the group they learned even more about each individual and some additional wildlife species that they had found.
“Go outside and enjoy the wildlife and nature,” encouraged Gaines. Likely good advice for all of us!
Additional activities are scheduled at the library throughout the month of July, ending with an end of July celebration party.
Photos by Christy Porter
