To Jr. Rangers Everywhere,

It's been some time since last we saw each other.  It's a bummer but there it is.  Dr. O and yours truly are off to CA.  For a while it looked like we might be headed back east but no dice.  As I sit here writing you from the rocky mountain redoubt that is Spring Creek, Almont CO. it is 12/29 and the temperature is 42 and Nantucket is freezing its butt off, another bummer:) How are you?  I like packing, it's the loading I'm not fond of.  Before I forget Swegen says WOOF!  We trust you are all doing amazing things and wish you peace.

Len

Adios

To All Jr. Rangers Past and Present - Until we meet again

As most of you know, Sarah and I are moving to Colorado on February 27th.  I wanted to thank you for your service to the field station and the work being done here.  It has been a privilege to know you and your folks.  You are the best! I will always be available to you. Write me anytime.  I will keep this blog active, please do check in from time to time.  I promise there will be things of interest for you to check out.


Thank You!

James
Caillean
Orion
Anjali
Sonia
ED
Mollard
Avery
Holly
Leland
Tate
Ross
Raymond
Raffa
Thomas
Gigi
Jacob
Lila
Mackenzie
Henry
Beck
Sawyer
Nicholas
Isobel
Caroline
Mookie
Ben
Clyde
Francis
Claire
Mathew
Sinead
David
Elizabeth

Jr. Rangers Writers Circle

As an extension of our Jr Ranger programming we've added a school year writers circle.  A workshop format designed to listen to other writers work and to discuss the writing process.   

Spider Time - Written by Anjali D.

I sit among them 

Their ever graceful bodies move around me.  

I am not one of them 

But I am one with them.  

They are elegant creatures and have adopted me as their own. 

Much superior are their species to mine, 

So light and fast, 

Whereas mine are bulky and clumsy. 

They are merciless, but also small and fragile, like a delicate flower. 

And now, here I am 

Sitting here with them. 

Yuck. 

Why must such a species thrive and exist?  

They are sly, vile creatures, 

Moving sickly across surfaces with their long legs. 

They are so small and useless, yet they cause terror to young and old alike. 

They are monstrous and hide in the dark like cowards, 

And scurry when the light is set upon them. 

Grotesque beings they are, and their eerie voices echo in the darkness. 

I am the only one to know. 

I am the only one to see the truth. 

See? 

There are two sides to the story. 

Very different they are, and many change through time, 

And there are vast amount of opinions that float between the two. 

However, they both share a common subject. 

One to love or one to hate, 

Or one to simply pass by. 

Yet they are not to blame. 

Or are they? That is an opinion entirely up to you. 

But just to think all this must come to these small, tiny Araneae... 

Spiders, I mean. 

Meat Eaters, Full Moon, Howl - Back To School!

This Is Not The End - by Clyde K

The trees are reddening,

The Deer Flies disappearing,

Lenny is about the same,

But this is not the end.

School is starting,

Walks are getting smaller,

People are leaving,

But this is not the end.

It will soon be chilly,

The vernal pool will get smaller,

Summer’s almost over,

But this is not the end.

This year was great,

And next year will come soon.

This is not the end,

But just a break.

Thank you, everyone, for an awesome year!