Last Sunday 6 junior girl scouts from Grant Elementary School in Columbia earned their Earth Connections badge with a visit to the Prairie Garden Trust. They ventured through the prairie and explored the edges of the lotus pond. They saw a tiny young turtle sitting on lily pad (thanks to one of their leader’s sharp eyes), identified more than 10 trees and lots of other native plants and counted tree rings. They pondered the meaning of cypress knees and found hints of wildlife through deer tracks and trees chewed by beavers. It was a packed two hours.

I hope they return with Beth Pike, who initiated the trip, and their leaders Susan Nagel and Kim Wade to see more flowers in bloom and explore the ancient coral reef in Hillers Creek.