Gray Wolf Pups tread lightly at the Stimpson Family Nature Preserve 10/2/16

The Boys Explorers Club has a slate of mottos that capture and hold our culture…our values. Prominent among them is the simple proposition that when people truly connect with their natural world they’re more likely to take action to protect it (motto - Connect and Protect). No better example of that principle can be found around here than the Stimpson Family Nature Preserve, our location for the Grey Wolf Pups’ Sunday outing. According to the Whatcom Land Trust (WLT) site, “In the fall of 2000, seven Stimpson siblings donated 116 beautiful acres in the Lake Whatcom Watershed to Whatcom Land Trust. This act of generosity became the catalyst for a community partnership that created the Nature Reserve – a partnership of the Stimpson family, Whatcom Land Trust, Whatcom County, Western Washington University, and the State Department of Natural Resources.” Over the next few years, with adjoining properties acquired through the efforts of WLC, WWU and the state’s Department of Natural Resources, the project grew to the 350 acre site we explored on Sunday (BEC motto - Collaborate and Compromise).

So much to take in! Whatcom County manages the Reserve. Their page describes it this way - “The forest is largely undisturbed and displays characteristics of an old-growth forest, including Douglas Fir trees over 400 years old, a wide diversity of tree species, snags and decaying logs, and a complex architecture of canopy, understory, shrub layer, and tapestry of the forest floor. Two ponds and additional wetland areas support a wide variety of plants and animals, including beaver. Deer, cougar, and smaller mammals frequent the park.”

The Gray Wolf Pups’ skill for this season is The Art of Tracking and Bird Language. As we hiked along the established trail, we learned that birds have velcro-like feathers that create a continuous surface that, with oil from glands, acts as a raincoat. In fact, according to Cornell University’s Bird Academy, “…how feathers function is intricately connected to how they’re structured, and how they grow is closely linked to how they evolved.” 

We spent much of our time listening for birds and tracking evidence that birds were all about. Ask your Explorer about other interesting bird knowledge he gained on Sunday. Here's an example...

 The Pileated Woodpecker makes unique rectangular holes 

 that provide shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens. Another example of how everything is connected.

Well, they said we couldn't go off trail; they didn't say anything about those tempting logs.

Good friends sharing their love of the outdoors.

Fall rains bring mushrooms....lots of mushrooms!

As mentioned earlier, off-trail activity is expressly forbidden at Stimpson Family Nature Preserve. Good thing mentor Tim knows how to get past the reserve boundary for an epic game of Spider's Web.

Spider's Web gives us insight into what it means to risk it all for food, rewarding stealth and patience. Your Explorer just might be able to tell you what our eyes are designed to notice (motion) and how that affects their Spider's Web strategy.

A few years ago you might have fit, but now......?!?

The Gray Wolf Pups didn't only connect with the land on Sunday, they also connected with each other. And, true to the BEC motto - "Widen the circle" - they welcomed both visitors making up for missed outings and a new group member. This open, welcoming attitude is a sign of high self-worth and an ability to focus on the benefit of others. And it made for a fun, interesting outing on a beautiful day.

We have more pictures!

We next roll up our sleeves to work on restoring our service site at Connelly Creek. Sunday, October 30. See you there.