swamp tromping

Is there anything like tromping in a swamp in the springtime? This activity totally brings me back to my childhood: lugging buckets of pond water filled with tadpoles up to the farmhouse, and observing the miraculous transformation of tadpole to frog. The way that these tiny creatures change and evolve is absolutely stunning to watch unfold. I don't think I'll ever tire of it.

tadpoles living in a clear container set by my dining room window

Last weekend, I led a swamp tromp at Huron Natural Area. We found frogs, insects, larvae, and one lone crayfish. It was a beautiful afternoon.

watching, waiting, discovering things in our nets. photo credit: Melanie Muggins

This past week, my daughters and I have tromped through my parents' pond twice in search of creatures. Braving tiny leeches, they scooped up mini tadpoles, large tadpoles (some with legs and some without), whirligig beetles, water boatman insects, and a red-spotted newt that was camouflaged so well in the pond weeds. 

Our forest school groups learned about the tadpole to frog transformation this week too. Some were more eager than others to see what it felt like to hold a big tadpole. 

We played some frog games and spied some other creatures who like to live around the ponds at Huron Natural Area.

how can you not love this face?