July/August #3

Ambassadors for Nature

This is the last post for the Eggs' book series! We have come to the end of Book 3 already! They sure learned a lot in the last three years - all about virtues, diversity, and service! Let's see how they spend their last few weeks at the Nature Center.

Reptiles!

Ranger Hatch introduced the Eggs to the reptile house where Reggie handled an iguana! He also showed the Eggs a diamondback snake, which Megg did not like at all! They learned all about their habitats, skin, and eating habits. They even fed the snakes and turtle insects and leafy vegetation. "That does not look very appetizing to me!" said Benedict.

Waters and Trees

Over the next few weeks, Ranger Hatch taught the Eggs about how important the ponds and trees were to the nature center. They serve as life-giving resources for the wildlife that lives there. He told them how important it is to keep the ponds and trails clean, so as they walked, they were sure to pick up any debris or garbage that wasn't natural.

They came upon a group of trees that had tattered leaves, almost having a lacey appearance.

"These trees have a disease, but we can help them with some fertilizer," explained Ranger Hatch. "We need to save as many trees as we can because they give off much-needed oxygen."

Butterflies Everywhere!

In the middle of the next week, Ranger Hatch took the Eggs into the Butterfly House. It was so hot, Seggourney remarked she felt like she was on a tropical island! Butterflies of all kinds flew around their heads as they laughed and marveled at the various species. "Look at the blue one, Megg!" exclaimed Seggourney.

Ranger Hatch taught them about all of the butterflies and how they form a chrysalis. The Eggs were intrigued with his instruction and continued to ask questions about the butterflies. Ranger Hatch was more than happy to answer every single one!

A Surprise Visitor

As their final weekend at Camp Sunnyside Up approached, the Eggs and their families gathered one last time around the Campfire Clearing. "Hey - there's Ms. Sullivan from the United Nations!" shouted Reggie. They all turned to find Ms. Sullivan walking up the path to the clearing. "Hello, Everyone! Ms. Poach told me where to find you!"

The Eggs greeting her and they shared an evening around the fire discussing the entire Ambassador Program. They each gave a short summary of their favorite part of the year, and Ms. Sullivan was thrilled with their responses. She even brought them a special plaque engraved with their names on it to hang up at school!

The End of a Special Year

As The Eggs returned home from Camp Sunnyside Up, Reggie said goodbye to Peggy. She promised to visit again soon.

The next day, the Eggs got together at Albumen Park. They played tennis and shuffleboard. As dusk was setting in, they took a walk through the woods and came upon a clearing with a picnic bench, where they all took a seat to watch the sunset.

Finally, Seggourney quietly said, “You know, Eggs; I think the world is pretty great.”

“I agree,” said Reggie with a smile.

“You know, Eggs,” said Greggory, “I think Albumen is pretty great.”

“Me, too,” agreed Megg.

They sat in silence for a while, pondering the life-long bonds they had created over the last three years.

After a few moments, Benedict spoke. “You know, Eggs,” he said, “I think you’re pretty great.” They all smiled gently at each other.

As the sun set on the town of Albumen, the Eggs said goodbye and went home.

Family Activity

• Go to The Nature Conservancy’s website, www.nature.org. Check out and learn from the entire site, and be sure to go to the “Kid’s in Nature” page that includes stories, photos, activities, and challenges. Research and visit a local Nature Conservancy or other protected areas like parks, forests, wetlands, deserts, prairies, rivers, watersheds, etc., and see if you can take a guided tour. On The Nature Conservancy site you can also click on your particular state or region to learn more about local conservancy efforts.

• Make a concerted effort to take nature walks throughout the year to help children appreciate the beauty of change in our world…you don’t have to go far – a local park is perfect. When you go, take a trash bag and some gloves and pick up trash along the way – kid’s love this activity. You can also get creative and design a simple scavenger hunt for particular trees, plants, birds, and animals!

Thank you for spending time with The Good Eggs! I hope you have enjoyed their adventures over the last three years - I wish you all GOOD things today and always!

Wishing you all GOOD things,

Sandy