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Discovery Challenge for Families and Individuals
September 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023
Join us in a challenge this fall to explore some of Joshua’s Trust trails and learn about their diversity of plants and animals!
The Challenge will run from September 1 to December 1, 2023.
Explore eight different trails and complete entries for each – try to identify at least one member for each of two of the groups listed. Every entry should be different, for a total of at least 16 different species. The groups are:
Group 1: plants, fungi and algae
Group 2: amphibians, reptiles and fish
Group 3: birds and mammals
Group 4: invertebrate animals (e.g., insects, spiders, ticks, worms)
There are many resources to help with identification including phone apps and your local library and bookstore.
Some of the free phone apps include:
Merlin (birds), I Naturalist – especially “Seek”, Visual Look-up, Google Lens (please note that some also have paid versions as well as free ones).
Record your findings on the form provided HERE. When you complete all 8 entries with at least 2 species for each, submit the form to Joshua’s Trust – by email to michelle.poudrette@joshuastrust.org or by mail to: Joshua’s Trust PO Box 4, Mansfield Center 06250, or drop it off at the office at 624 Wormwood Hill Road, Mansfield Center 06250. (You’re welcome to take a photo of the form and submit the photo as long as it’s clear enough to read. Don’t forget to add your name.)
We have awards for completed entries – a choice of a tote bag or a hat, as well as stickers for the kids. We will also tally the number and diversity of finds for each property and share that on our website and in our winter newsletter. If you take photos, send us your favorite one! Most of all – just enjoy your time out in nature!