Junior Ranger training at Tryon Creek

On weekends from June through August, OPRD offers the wonderful Junior Ranger program to get kids out and about in the Great Outdoors while engaging them in activities and teaching them about the landscape and its flora and fauna, all in a fun hands-on way. The program is free and open to children ages 6 - 12 years old.

The 2011 Junior Ranger program at Tryon Creek kicked off the first weekend in June. Children excitedly signed up, got their official Junior Ranger passport and prepared to hit the trail with Park Ranger Patricia - but not before a quick visit to the back deck of Tryon Creek's Nature Center.

Relaxing Rabbit just in back of the Nature Center

This adorable critter was seen resting on a log. When it was first spotted, its front and hind legs were splayed out like a bearskin rug! We also saw an American robin nesting on her eggs under the eaves of the Nature Center.

Ranger Patricia took the troops out scouting for invasive weeds.

Removing Creeping Buttercup

Although there are native varieties of buttercups that pose no threat to park flora and fauna, the Creeping Buttercup is in an altogether different camp. It spreads quickly, crowding out and eliminating native plants. The newly appointed Junior Rangers took their roles very seriously and set to work eradicating these invasive weeds.

Next up: English Ivy.

Ranger Patricia pointed out trees choked by English Ivy. If the ivy is allowed to spread, it will eventually overtake the canopy of the tree, thereby preventing photosynthesis, and cause the tree to die. This is the tree she asked the Junior Rangers to help her clear of ivy.

Ranger Patricia explained that as long as the base of the tree is cleared of ivy (including the ivy's roots), the ivy remaining above the cleared portion will die. This is a comforting thought, as the idea of having to scale the entire trunk to remove the vine is daunting indeed (especially when kiddos are doing the dirty work!).

Ten - fifteen minutes later Ranger Patricia and her triumphant helpers revealed a healthy trunk, bare of ivy at the base. The tree is saved! Thanks Junior Rangers!

Junior Rangers show off the vines they removed from the tree