Spruce Run Nature Center
Third Grading Period 2020-2021
JUST CLICK HERE.......
Student Application for Summer School Experience 2021 @ Spruce Run Nature Center
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK-2Fx-Wa8dEE_hHGwAE94XYZ-aMexd_4bCYBpijurH0kmOQ/viewform
Teacher Application for Summer School Experience 2021 @ Spruce Run Nature Center.
https://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/applications/2021SummerApplication.nsf/Application?OpenForm
Informational video about High School Summer Camps at Spruce Run
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DyRgpFBDAtFKjUk2CPM7TUQMeqsgvnp6/view
Informational Video about Middle School Summer Camps at Spruce Run
SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS @ SPRUCE RUN
Elementary School Kinder Kamp Experience
Middle School Experiences for Students Entering 6th-8th Grade
Ecology: An In Depth Study of Lynn Cherry’s Fictional Picture Books
Students explore Lynn Cherry’s books as a way to travel the world and discuss ecology and environmental issues.
One 2 week session: June 14-June 24
Limit 15 students
Citizen Science: Career Exploration
Students will work side by side with different nature based professionals, collecting data and adding to our Spruce Run Biodiversity catalog.
One 2 week session: June 28- July 8
Limit 15 students
The Physics of Flight: a STEM experience
Have you ever watched a bird fly? Have you wondered why heavy airplanes stay in the air? Students will study bird flight, the forces of flight and design their own flying machine.
One 2 week session: July 12- July 22
Limit 15 students
Art Exploration :
Art Camp will offer 3 different 2 weeks sessions. During camp students will be exposed to different art techniques and work on both individual and group projects, while exploring nature. At the end of camp students will install their group art project at Spruce Run.
Three 2 week sessions: June 14-June 24,
June 28- July 8 and July 12- July 22
Limit 15 students
"Survivor” Camp
Ever wonder what it would be like to survive in the wild? Together we will read “Hatchet” by Gary Paulson, and dig deep into the passages of this novel, journal thoughts and work on your own survival skills.
Three 2 week sessions: June 14-June 24,
June 28- July 8 and July 12- July 22
Limit 15 students
Transportation for middle school students will be provided. The bus will leave from Ft. Hayes @ 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Spruce Run Nature Center @ 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Students will return to Ft. Hayes @ 1:00
High School Credit for Students Entering 8th-12th grade
Need Internship Hours ?
The Spruce Run CIT (counselor-in-training) program invites students to participate in this one-of-a-kind, volunteer experience. The CIT program blends on-site training with daily CIT activities which supports all summer school programming at Spruce Run. Students can earn up to 50 volunteer hours per 2 week session. These hours can also be used for your OMJ Readiness Seal and the Seal of Community Service for your high school diploma.
Three 2 week sessions: June 14-June 24,
June 28- July 8 and July 12- July 23
Limit 15 students
Environmental Science Advance Science Credit:
During this advanced science course students will earn 1 advanced science credit while working with an environmental science instructor. Students will complete three independent researched based environmental projects. Must have completed Biology to attend this course.
One 6 week session
June 14th -July 23nd
Limit 15 students
Physical Education PE I and PE II Credit:
This six weeks course will allow students to earn credit for both PE I and PE II. The course will follow a Project Adventure format which engages students in exploration through games and initiatives in a safe challenge by choice environment. Student will have the opportunity to enhance their ability to be creative, brainstorm ideas, make decisions, solve problems, resolve conflicts, develop leadership and recognize safe risk taking.
One 6 week session
June 14th -July 23nd
Limit 30 students
Transportation for high school students will be provided. The bus will leave from Ft. Hayes @ 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Spruce Run Nature Center @ 8:00a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Students will return to Ft.Hayes @ 12:30
Become a Citizen Scientist
April 30, 2021 -- Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not consider becoming a citizen scientist? You don’t need training or an advanced degree, just a curious mind.
“Citizen Science is a new buzzword in the environmental world,” said Geri Granger, Pre K – 12 Educational Coordinator at the District’s Spruce Run Nature Center. “It’s a way for students, teachers, anybody really to observe, participate and collaborate in scientific research.”
The Spruce Run Nature Center is 50 acres of wooded land near Hoover Reservoir in Southern Delaware County that belongs to the District. Granger is encouraging the Columbus City Schools community to become citizen scientists and participate in this year’s City Nature Challenge, which begins today and runs through Monday, May 3. All you need is a cell phone or computer with the internet.
“Basically, discover what plant and animal life is in your backyard, the field next door, a neighborhood park, or even a garden at the Columbus Zoo,” said Granger. “Then document your discovery with your cellphone or a digital camera. It’s easy, fun, and something the whole family can do together.”
“All you have to do is use the iNaturalist app,” said Angie Burke, Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator at the Nature Conservancy Ohio Office. “Upload your photos to the iNaturalist website for identification and inventory.”
iNaturalist is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. Once you share your photos of plant and animal life, the iNaturalist research team will identify the plant and animal life from your photo. If two or more people from the same area upload the same plant or animal, it will help scientists and resource managers understand where organisms live.
“That’s how you become a citizen scientist,” said Angie Burke. “Your discoveries help scientists figure out the living world. It may help identify and locate an invasive species, for example, or a rare plant or animal that needs protecting.”
The City Nature Challenge is an international “BioBlitz.” Developed by the National Parks Service in the 1990s, a “BioBlitz” is a 24-hour period where volunteers and scientists count all the plant and animal species they find in a specific area.
This year, similar to other years, the City Nature Challenge is more than 24 hours. This year organizers of the City Nature Challenge have removed the competitive aspect to discourage large groups from gathering and working together.
“It’s a safe activity you can do alone or with your family amid this pandemic,” said Granger. “We are asking individuals to go out into nature, explore, enjoy and document. You might discover a weird bug or odd plant. The researchers at iNaturalist will follow up with you after you send in your photo. How cool is that?”
Before COVID-19, the city of San Francisco won the City Nature Challenge with 1100 participants.
“I’m working with Geri Granger and Columbus City Schools and other community partners for next year,” said Burke. “If San Francisco can get 1100 participants, I know here in Columbus and other big cities in Ohio, and we can do even better. It only takes one person to go outside and take a photo of a plant or bug to get Ohio in the nature game. With partners, I believe Columbus can win the City Nature Challenge next year.”
To download the iNaturalist app, visit the App store on your Apple or Android device or visit iNaturalist website.
BOOK NOW FOR 2021-2022
Columbus Metropolitan Library partners with central Ohio cultural institutions to offer free admission for cardholders
Current participating cultural organizations:
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Barnett, Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Road, Linden, Marion-Franklin, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights, Northside, Parsons, Shepard and Whitehall branches
- Columbus Museum of Art: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
- Franklin Park Conservatory: Passes available at CML’s Driving Park, Martin Luther King and Shepard branches
- National Veterans Memorial and Museum: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Barnett, Franklinton, Martin Luther King and Parsons branches
- Ohio History Center: Passes available at CML’s Karl Road, Linden, Northern Lights and Northside branches
- Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
- Wexner Center for the Arts: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
Culture Passes cannot be reserved like traditional library items, however customers can check their availability at https://www.columbuslibrary.org/ by typing “Culture Pass” into the catalog search bar.
AS OF MARCH 16TH 2021 SPRUCE RUN HAS A NEW NAME
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cTR6tS1rlliwzuJuGCLG3_b2wDZ9KOyc/view
NEWSLETTER UPDATES
The most current update(s) to the newsletter will ALWAYS be posted directly below the main heading and above the section entitled Newsletter Updates.
NEWSLETTERS:
Third Grading Period 2020-21: https://www.smore.com/cgj7w-spruce-run-environmental-center
Second Grading Period 2020-21: https://www.smore.com/zpt2g-spruce-run-environmental-center
First Grading Period 2020-21: https://www.smore.com/r4hzu-spruce-run-environmental-center
Franklin Soil and Water: Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are small, temporary, fishless, shallow depressions that fill with water during certain seasons of the year. While you can visit vernal pools any time, early spring, when pools are filled with water, is an exciting time for animal activity. Click to read more in the SWIFTlet Activity https://www.franklinswcd.org/data/doc_lib/1273/Swiftlet-18-March-Activity-VenturingIntoVernalPools.pdf and don't forget to download the Venturing Into Vernal Pools Coloring Page! https://www.franklinswcd.org/data/doc_lib/1273/Swiftlet-18-March-Activity-VenturingIntoVernalPools.pdf
HOW GREAT WOULD THIS BE @ SPRUCE RUN!
Forest schools: Lessons in outdoor education
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/forest-schools-lessons-in-outdoor-education/#x
"The Salamander Dance"
Thursday, March 11th from 6:30 PM- 9:00 PM
Thursday, March25th from 7:30 PM- 10:30 PM
"The Salamander Dance"
For many salamander species spring means journeying to ponds or vernal pools, to mate. Migration usually begins after dark, approximately one hour after the first spring rain when the temperature is above 40° Fahrenheit, therefore I will have to keep checking the weather, for the best date for this great adventure. https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/d6/files/pubfiles/salamander.pdf
video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuX_zNLNse4
Sign up by emailing Geri Granger @ ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us Limit 10 teachers
SPRUCE RUN SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHER APPLICATIONS ARE COMING SOON!
Elementary Program: Teachers will work Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Middle School Programs: Teachers will work Monday- Thursday 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
High School Programs: Teacher will work Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Contact Geri Granger if you have questions about the position at Spruce Run.
614.286.9493 or ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
You will be required to attend 6 hours of job training at Spruce Run. Trainings will occur in May. Training dates will vary depending on position and will be announced upon hiring.
The Nature Conservency's Nature Lab is now LIVE!
'The Lorax' and 'Crawdad Creek' Read Aloud: Read Across America March 2, 2021
Join Franklin Soil and Water in celebrating Read Across America Day with a virtual Read Alouds of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and Crawdad Creek by Scott Russell Sanders.
The Lorax is a story of how participants witness how humans impact the environment and discover ways we can protect our local environment.
Crawdad Creek allows the reader to follow tracks along the bank, then sit in quiet amazement as deer, raccoons, and other animals visit the creek. There's a wild and beautiful world here awaiting to be discovered.
These programs are free and will take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 EST . They are approximately 45 minutes in length.
The Lorax Read-Aloud, link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=nhlut8zab&oeidk=a07ehlj2exa1b85e9d9
Crawdad Creek Read-Aloud, link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=nhlut8zab&oeidk=a07ehlj5t4pdc420127
Devonshire Elementary's Create a Creature: Animal Adaptations Art Challenge
The actual art project can be found at: https://www.happyhealthymessy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled-presentation.pdf
There are two websites to practice mixing and matching animal adaptations to create your own creature. Go to: https://switchzoo.com/ and click on the "Play Now" ticket in the top center section of page page. Or go to: http://projectbeak.org/adaptations/build.htm
Below are some of the creatures that were created in the art challenge.
Cancelled: WALK and TALKS
- February 6th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Track, Scat and Fur.
- February 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Night Sky.
- March 27th from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Become a Citizen Scientist
WALK and TALK
February 6th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Track, Scat and Fur. Walk & talk with Ranger Granger looking for animal tracks, learning to use our game cameras to collect real time data for student created questions and viewing our Ohio animal fur collection. Limit 20.
February 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Night Sky. For this walk & talk you will need to bring your cell phone. We will download different astronomy apps, so we can start spotting constellations in the night sky, looking at the planets and identifying stars. Whether you're a beginner or a stargazing pro, these user-friendly apps are the ultimate guide to the night sky. PLEASE KEEP CHECKING HERE TO SEE IF THIS DATE CHANGES, IF THE NIGHT SKY IS CLOUDY WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR A CLEARER NIGHT. Astronomy apps we will be discussing can be found at https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/a35211906/stargazing-app/. Limit 15.
March (Date and time to be announced). Night of the Salamanders.
For many salamander species spring means journeying to ponds or vernal pools, to mate. Migration usually begins after dark, approximately one hour after the first spring rain when the temperature is above 40° Fahrenheit, therefore I will have to keep checking the weather, for the best date for this great adventure. Keep checking back to this newsletter for the date and time. For more information about Ohio salamanders go to https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/d6/files/pubfiles/salamander.pdf
video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuX_zNLNse4 Limit 10.
March 27 th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Become a Citizen Scientist. Join Angela Burk, guest naturalist from The Nature Conservancy on this hands on adventure. Bring your phone and start collecting real time data using iNaturalist app by participating in a mini BioBlitz.
Practice your skills at Spruce Run, and take what you learned directly back to your students. Create your own Bioblitz at school and or have students collect their data at their favorite park or in their own backyard. BioBlitz intro video: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/do-it-yourself-bioblitz/ Limit 20.
May 29th from 10a.m. to 12.p.m. Nature Photography. Bring your cell phone/35mm camera. Use photography as another way to hone your observation skills. Meet professional nature photographers and learn the tips of the trade. Take your pictures back to your classroom and discuss Ohio wildlife, habitats, food chains/food web, camouflage and many more life science topics. Limit 20.
WHAT IS THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE?
The City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. It’s a bioblitz-style competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. This year the challage will take place from April 30-May 3
https://citynaturechallenge.org/participate/
What is a BioBlitz? Watch this video clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuTanv0Cd14
To participate in The City Nature Challenge all you have to do is.......
SPRUCE RUN TO PARTICIPATE IN GRANGE'S INSURANCE NATIVE PLANTS BACKYARD CHALLENGE
To learn more about the Grange Audubon go to:https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=grange+audbon+back+yard+challenge&&view=detail&mid=9E996AB0B886B71924CC9E996AB0B886B71924CC&&FORM=VRDGAR&ajf=100
OSU MD CAMP
The MD Camp offers a dynamic curriculum, providing the opportunity for high school students to observe and participate in the many exciting aspects of what a medical career can offer. The Ohio State University College of Medicine faculty, staff and students will provide instruction in the lecture, discussion and workshop components of the curriculum.
To learn more about applying: https://medicine.osu.edu/diversity/initiatives/md-camp/2021-md-camp
GREAT LINKS TO LEARNING
Virtual Field Trip: Great Lake Science Center. https://greatscience.com/engage/virtual-field-trip
San Diego Zoo Live Camera: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
Smithsonian Natural History Museum: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
Seek Education: https://education.seekxr.com/?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=thepurplealphabet
Sea Quest Petting Zoo and Aquarium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnF-o-nJ1To
RANGER GRANGER RESOURCES
Guest Speaker
Google Classroom
Please join my classrooms:
Grades PreK-1: vssubzk
Grades 2-3: qrxfo67
Grades 4-5: saeaoj3
Middle School: gurxfvh
High School: okryalj
Ranger Granger Show
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBCuacjAG8_svCkPhnqubeg/videos?disable_polymer=1
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Become a volunteer. All you need is an enthusiasm for nature and the great outdoors, a willingness to learn and a desire to share with others! Volunteer hours are flexible and will depend on your chosen job area(s). No previous training is needed: training programs will be provided. Currently, we need volunteers in the following areas:
Office: answer telephone, filing, organizing supplies for school group activities
Horticulture: working in the greenhouse, raised bed, landscaping maintenance
Naturalist: sharing your personal "Nature Hobby" such as birding or rock collecting with student groups
Maintenance: general upkeep of the buildings and grounds
Scout Specialist: working with troops, or individual scouts on badges, scouting projects and volunteering opportunities at Spruce Run
Spruce Run Nature Center
Email: ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/2676
Location: 4175 Sunbury Road, Galena, OH, USA
Phone: 6142869493
Twitter: @sprucerunenvironmentalcenter
Office of Teaching and Learning
Office of Teaching and Learning
3700 S. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43207
Office number 614.365.5727
Alyse Clark, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning, aclark2@columbus.k12.oh.us
Kenton Lee, Director of Secondary Curriculum, klee1@columbus.k12.oh.us
Kathryn D Myers, Secondary Curriculum Supervisor, kmyers@columbus.k12.oh.us
Heather Allen, K-5 Elementary Coordinator, hallen704@columbus.k12.oh.us
Jennifer Nord, 6-12 Science Coordinator, jnord5257@columbus.k12.oh.us
Geri Granger, preK-12 Spruce Run Coordinator, ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us