We visited the Patuxent Research Refuge and Wildlife Visitor Center again since they are offering a special app-based Agents of Discovery program.
The program has visitors explore the grounds and answer questions on the local flora. We followed the trails to the first stop, tapped an icon on our smart phone, and answered a question about a nearby tree.
The holes in the above tree were made by a yellow-bellied sapsucker, a type of woodpecker that eats the sap and any insects that come out of the tree after the holes are made. My son loved the name of the bird.
The trail continued on through the refuge.
At one point, the app had us look for a trail sign and then examine a nearby tree.
After deciphering that mystery, we followed a trail to a small stream and had to figure out which way the water flowed. The app suggested switching on the app's compass but my son pointed out a much easier solution to knowing which way was which.
Another question had us identifying a tree by its leaves, another typical scientific practice.
When we got back to the visitor center, my son got a badge for finishing all six missions. We found a map that showed a bunch of other parks in the Washington area using the same app. If we complete six parks, we get an even fancier badge!
The visitor center also had some family activities based around colors, camouflage, and butterflies vs. moths. We learned a lot. One fun game had us matching caterpillars to moths or butterflies.
Another fun activity was making our own butterfly. We didn't invent a caterpillar to go with it, but maybe next time.
Another board challenged visitors to spot animals camouflaged in natural terrains. We had a tough time spotting them. We didn't feel bad though, because the docents showing us the activity had a tough time too!
Going back to the reserve was fun and we will definitely search out some of the other parks that are hosting Agents of Discovery.
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| Visitor center |
The program has visitors explore the grounds and answer questions on the local flora. We followed the trails to the first stop, tapped an icon on our smart phone, and answered a question about a nearby tree.
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| Question on the phone |
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| Finding the holes |
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| Evidence of something fantastic |
The holes in the above tree were made by a yellow-bellied sapsucker, a type of woodpecker that eats the sap and any insects that come out of the tree after the holes are made. My son loved the name of the bird.
The trail continued on through the refuge.
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| View of Lake Reddington |
At one point, the app had us look for a trail sign and then examine a nearby tree.
 |
| Clue on the app |
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| Clue in real life |
After deciphering that mystery, we followed a trail to a small stream and had to figure out which way the water flowed. The app suggested switching on the app's compass but my son pointed out a much easier solution to knowing which way was which.
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| A compass on the railing! |
Another question had us identifying a tree by its leaves, another typical scientific practice.
 |
| Tree! |
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| An ad on the trail for what we were already doing |
When we got back to the visitor center, my son got a badge for finishing all six missions. We found a map that showed a bunch of other parks in the Washington area using the same app. If we complete six parks, we get an even fancier badge!
 |
| Brochure and badge |
The visitor center also had some family activities based around colors, camouflage, and butterflies vs. moths. We learned a lot. One fun game had us matching caterpillars to moths or butterflies.
 |
| Matching game |
Another fun activity was making our own butterfly. We didn't invent a caterpillar to go with it, but maybe next time.
 |
| Giving color to our butterfly |
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| A new species |
Another board challenged visitors to spot animals camouflaged in natural terrains. We had a tough time spotting them. We didn't feel bad though, because the docents showing us the activity had a tough time too!
Going back to the reserve was fun and we will definitely search out some of the other parks that are hosting Agents of Discovery.
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