Fantastic Field Trip

On Wednesday, February 6th, my four year old,  twelve year old, and their grandma traveled on a field trip to the Arboretum in Chanhassen, Minnesota.  The Arboretum is a landscape, garden park for families to visit year round.  In the summer, Minnesotans stroll through beautiful flower gardens, and explore nature trails.  Fall brings corn mazes, pumpkins and apples.  Spring allows visitors to witness signs of new life.


This week Grandma and the children learned about three subjects while they were at the Arboretum.  Since it is seventeen degrees, on a good February day in Minnesota, the field trip vacationers observed wildlife for a short time outside.  They spotted  a female and male cardinal, and discovered that males are the colorful birds because they show off to attract the females.  Males showing off?  Impossible.  Deer pranced across the fields.  Up north we see deer every day in our backyard, but they are beautiful creatures and difficult to turn away from.

Benjamin, 12 years old

Benjamin, Mary and Grandma hurried indoors to a green house where they learned about kumquat trees and pineapple bushes.  The children were fascinated with these fruit trees as they are obviously not native to our polar conditions.  Hotter climates are home to kumquats and pineapples , but it was a surprise that the fruit could withstand frost and survive in temperatures as low as fourteen degrees.  A Georgia farmer once told our family that frost is actually necessary for peach growing.  If you live in Florida, Georgia, Southern California or Alabama, my curious naturalists have a question for you to
answer on the comments following this post.  Although kumquat trees can sustain life in cooler 
climates, do the majority of the growing days need to be hot?   How many frosty days are helpful to the fruit?

Benjamin, 12 years old

Nothing could be more exciting than faeries and their lovely gardens to a four year old.  Mary was in faery heaven when Grandma's last stop was the Arboretum's "Faery Garden" limited time exhibit.  Apparently the faeries have someplace else they have to be in March.  Mary brought home a beautiful coloring book full of faeries A to Z.  Benjamin was a good sport and took the photograph posted below.

Benjamin, 12 years old

Grandma Barb, Benjamin, and his little sister's favorite part of the day was this fascinating cat tail
plant ~

Benjmain, 12 years old

It was as if a surprised cat sat behind the plant ready to pounce on unsuspecting visitors.  This field trip and others like it are just another benefit to Catholic homeschooling.  Breaks from the books, and adventures with family are great ways to spend winter afternoons.  It would be surprising if your state didn't have several areas like our Arboretum to learn and explore in.

Disclaimer:  This post was not intended as advertising for the Minnesota Arboretum.  We enjoy many places through out the school year.