Log:
Hooray for kids! Today I got to have fun with twenty kids from a day care. We talked about appropriate technology. They were able to understand more than one might guess, for instance they could tell me that being nice to friends is appropriate and sticking your tongue out all the time is not. As far as defining technology, that was a little more difficult for them. They were so excited to see all of CCAT’s cool gadgets. I rode the pedal powered bikes and we talked about how you can get electricity from a lot of different things. Along those lines, we looked at a solar fountain and a windmill. They really got into our short walk in the woods. Before the group’s arrival I had placed a few pieces of litter on the trail. When we got to the first piece I asked if anyone saw anything that didn’t belong in the forest. They were quick to lead me to this mysterious piece of litter. They were also so proud of themselves when they spotted the pop can farther on down the trail. After we made the trail loop we went back to the patio for snack time. I asked the kids what I should do with the litter and they knew what could and couldn’t be recycled! It’s amazing how much kids know these days. I felt like I was at SENS working with the Child Development Lab kids as everyone was referred to as a “friend”.
At CCAT today I also helped organize salvaged wood in the storage yard.
Krystal and I went on a nice jog to the UU fellowship because I had left my bike there after Sunday’s service. On our way out we had to stop and eat blackberries. They were so ripe they just fell off the vine and dissolved when we ate them. We returned home to find Rosie anxious to cook up a storm for dinner. She made us bock Choy, tofu, and quinoa, all deliciously spicy. After dinner Rosie and I headed for the forest for a mini campout. We slept in my favorite hollowed out stump that must be at least 8 feet in diameter. The night hike out to the tree was so fun. We couldn’t see anything so we relied on the sound of trail gravel beneath our feet to find the path. I didn’t see anymore stardust, but I know it’s out there. It was a cozy slumber party and an interesting experience to wake up under the redwoods.

Questions:
-I think early exposure with kids is critical, but often wonder how much they are capable of grasping. At what age can kids comprehend sustainability?
-What environmental education books are appropriate for preschoolers?
-Does phosphorescent micro bacteria glow year round?

Perceptions:
It looked as if the stars were farther out than they’d ever been. The redwoods stretch so high and the stars are beyond even those giants.