Activity 6: Tree Sensory Scavenger Hunt

Tree identification can be a great sensory experience. Let's review our 5 senses; sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.

NPS Image / Kelly Savannah

Tree identification can be a great sensory experience. Using your hands, nose, eyes and ears explore the outdoors, whether it’s in your neighborhood or at the C&O Canal to see if you can identify some trees.

*Make sure to dress for the weather, bring sunscreen for protection and water to keep hydrated on your walk.

To help you get started here is a Tree Sensory Scavenger Hunt Card with some items for you to search for.

You can also use the Chesapeake & Ohio National Historic Park Tree Guide to help you in your search to compare what your senses find.

 

Poison Ivy - Vine 3 - 50+ ft. long Toxicodendron radicans Flowers in: May

NPS Photo / Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

*Disclaimer: Look out for Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a vine that grows on tree trunks. Characteristics that help to make a positive identification of the plant:

• Clusters of three almond-shaped leaflets
• Alternate leaflets
• Lack of thorns
• If it is growing up the trunk of a tree there will be a presence of root-hairs

A good saying to remember "Leaves of three, leave them be!"

For more information, visit the NPS Plan Your Visit Safety Page on Poison ivy.