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Nature Study: Bioluminescence

Have your kids ever seen pictures of glowing jellyfish , fireflies lighting up a summer night, or deep-sea creatures that shimmer in the dark? That magical glow is something called bioluminescence —and it’s one of nature’s most fascinating light shows! Angler Fish craft My class recently participated in a STEM workshop where they learned about bioluminescence in the deep sea. They learned about deep sea creatures like the Angler fish and how bioluminescence was part of their adaptation to the dark depths. They also had a blast making their own Angler fish complete with antennaes. Coincidentally, on this day we got to the chapters in ' The Wild Robot Escapes ' where Roz the robot was exploring the deep ocean and learning about bioluminescence, echolocation and the predatory nature of seabirds like the Skuas . (That's for another blog post!) For children, learning about bioluminescence offers an incredible way to bring science, nature, and imagination together. It’s a to...
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Nature Study: Why Skunks Are Good For Gardens!

As parents, we often teach our children to avoid certain creatures in the garden, like skunks, due to their pungent odor and reputation for mischief. However, what if I told you that these striped critters are actually unsung heroes in the garden ecosystem? 

In this blog, we'll explore why skunks are beneficial for your garden and why they deserve our appreciation.


Skunks as Gardeners


1. Natural Pest Control

Skunks have a voracious appetite for many garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants. They are especially fond of insects like beetles, grubs, caterpillars, and even small rodents like mice and voles. By preying on these pests, skunks help keep their populations in check, reducing the need for harmful chemical pesticides.


2. Soil Aeration

Believe it or not, skunks are great gardeners! Their habit of digging for food helps aerate the soil, allowing oxygen and nutrients to penetrate deeper, which promotes healthier plant growth. Additionally, their digging can help expose and break up compacted soil, improving drainage and preventing waterlogging.


3. Seed Dispersal

Skunks are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods, including fruits and seeds. As they roam through the garden, they inadvertently help spread seeds by depositing them in different locations through their droppings. This natural process aids in plant diversity and regeneration, contributing to a more robust ecosystem.


4. Fertilization

Skunks have a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. As a result, their droppings contain a variety of nutrients that act as natural fertilizer for your garden. When skunks forage in your garden, they leave behind valuable nutrients that enrich the soil, promoting healthier and more vibrant plant growth.


5. Pest Deterrence

Skunks can also help deter other garden pests! Their strong odor acts as a natural repellent to animals like rabbits, squirrels, and even some larger pests like deer. By patrolling your garden, skunks can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay, protecting your precious plants from harm.


Take Away

So, the next time you spot a skunk in your garden, don't be so quick to shoo it away. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the important role these striped critters play in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. By allowing skunks to coexist with us in our gardens, we can enjoy the benefits of natural pest control, soil aeration, seed dispersal, fertilization, and pest deterrence. After all, when it comes to gardening, sometimes the most unlikely creatures are the ones that make the biggest difference.

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