October Field Trips
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Sea Turtle Discovery
Date: Friday, October 10th
Time: 9:30 am
Location: 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL
Cost: Free
Registration: Via registration email @ m.landrum@mobilemrcs.org
Registration deadline: Friday, October 3rd
The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning “safe harbor,” very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. The refuge serves the additional benefit of comprising one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. As a consequence, the refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama. More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified. Mammals such as red fox, coyotes, and armadillos are also present.
Refuge beaches support nest densities as high as, or higher, than many areas along the Northern Gulf Coast with 4.5-5 nests/mile. Loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles have been documented nesting on Bon Secour NWR. Leatherback and green sea turtles also occur in gulf waters and along refuge beaches.
During our time at the NWR, we will meet with park staff to study a sea turtle nest and learn about sea turtle habitats, nesting, migration, and how our beautiful Gulf Coast serves as a vital part in the sea turtles survival.
This field trip is geared for all ages. The park staff can provide enough instructors that we are able to have an elementary group, a middle school group, and a high school group to facilitate learning appropriate to each age range. Please register early so we can let them know how many of each age group will be attending.
The NWR has also invited us to spend the day at their gorgeous beach. Be sure to bring your towel, sunblock, lunch, and water for a fantastic day on the coast!
Magnolia Corn Maze
Date: Wednesday, October 29th
Time: 9:30 am
Location: 15275 County Road 49, Summerdale, AL
Cost: $7.00 per adult, $8.50 per child over 2….The child cost includes a pumpkin. If you have a child under 2 and would like them to have a pumpkin, too, please include a $1.50.
Registration: Via registration form @ http://mobilemrcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/FieldTripForm.pdf.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 21st
The Magnolia Corn Maze is the perfect place for children to explore, learn and have fun in an outdoor environment. All grade levels are welcome. This year Magnolia Corn Maze’s educational maze will be the United States of America. Along the way you will learn different things about the United States. There will also be fun things for students to find that represent some of the states.
The field trip will include a tractor drawn hayride, corn maze, scavenger hunt, pig race, petting zoo, corn cannon game and more. When it’s time to cool down and eat, head on over to the covered pavilion to have a picnic lunch or snack. Some snacks and drinks are available for purchase on site or you may bring your own picnic.
Aside from having fun, field trip-goers will also receive a unique educational experience. Each child will plant a corn seed and watch it grow at home. Learning how the farm works is a great experience. Having an opportunity to spend the day on a REAL FARM isn’t something a lot of children have access to; that and there aren’t too many farms like this in the area.
Each child will get to pick their own pie size pumpkin out of out “pumpkin patch” to take home for the fall holidays.
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