the world of trees
by MaryRose Lovgren
#1.
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Ask your mom or dad (or other adult) to tag along on this nature adventure. Start at the World of Trees sign at the east end of the Cedar Grove Parking Lot (see photo). Head left, and Tree #1 will be on your right. Learn about each numbered tree and fill in the correct name on this sheet. When you’re done, send it in and you may be our lucky winner! (Note: Not all trees are listed.)
#3.
#2. You might have some of tree number two in your home right now! Because of its sweet smell and fireproof properties, it is often made into furniture, roof shingles, and fences. Squeeze a needle-like leaf between your fingers and see where part of its name comes from. What is it? __________________________________
Ooh... the “Trees of the Dead!” These tall, skinny evergreen trees earned their name by representing the mourning of the dead and being found near Egyptian tombs. It is ironic, then, that they can actually live to be 3,000 years old! What are they called? _______________________________
#6.
#8. You know that bulletin board in your classroom? The material that makes them so useful is made from the bark of these trees! How does it feel? Is it hard, or soft? Another neat fact is that this is the largest plantation of its kind in the U.S. One more thing to notice: very few other plants can grow amongst these trees, as the tree’s leaves produce a substance that prevents other plants from growing. What is it? ___________________________________
Can you guess why this tree is sometimes called the “Cigar Tree?” (Hint: Look at the strange shape of their seed pods!) This tree also produces showy white flowers, and its wood is used for fence posts. What is it? ___________________________
Right across from tree #3 is a kind of “owl cafeteria!” Owls sit high up in the trees and scarf down their food (usually mice) that they caught during the night. Look around and see if you can spot the boney remains. Look, don’t touch, though-- these “owl pellets” aren’t going to be very clean!
Wow! The pinecones from this pine tree are the heaviest in America-- up to five pounds! Also, Native Americans living in Southern California used to eat the seeds from these cones. What is it?
#13.
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Enter to Win!
#9.
One of the world’s tallest living things, these conifers (conebearing trees) can grow to a towering 300 feet high, almost as tall as a football field is long! What is it?
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Photos by MaryRose Lovgren
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Have you ever eaten a persimmon cookie? They are made with the strange, orange fruit from this tree! But beware-- the unripe fruit is more tart than a lemon. Yuck! What is it?
When you’ve completed your quest, write down your answers to each numbered tree on a separate piece of paper, and mail it to us. The first five kids under age 14 that reply will receive a special gift from the Chico Creek Nature Center! Mail To: Growing Up Chico Scavenger Hunt P.O. Box 1234 Chico, CA 95928
growing up chico magazine
#10.
mouse skull found on the ground
www.growingupchico.com
1. The very first tree you will see has a name that, well, just isn’t quite right! It was first identified long ago in a monastery in Portugal, but its home is actually in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Because it is somewhat rare, its wood is quite valuable. What is it?
scavenger hunt
Do you like to play games in the great outdoors? Then this outdoor scavenger hunt is just for you!