Leaf Collecting, Tree Identifying, and Geocaching

November 3, 2007

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This is the perfect time to enjoy the fall color of the Ozarks.  Did you know that there are two arboreta (I just learned that word — it is the plural of arboretum, a collection of specimen of trees) on the University of Arkansas campus?  The first is on the Old Main Lawn and the second is below the Poultry Science Building.  The arboreta include 140 specimen of trees.

I think a great family activity would be to start a leaf collection or journal identifying trees.  Who knows, maybe you have a future botanist in your family.  Start with the arboretum mapping project website to plan your route.  If you zoom in on individual trees, each one is labeled.  The book, Trees of Arkansas, published by the Arkansas Forestry Commission, would be a great resource as well.

If you have a GPS device, you might want to include some geocaching on your adventure.  Several caches are hidden around the University of Arkansas campus.  Here’s a list of the caches hidden in the 72701 zip code.  Not familiar with geocaching?  It is a 21st century worldwide scavenger hunt.  If you want to learn more, go to the “getting started” section of the official geocaching website.

Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Outdoor Activities 

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