Southern Kings Nature Trail Activities

The Black Spruce is an evergreen or coniferous tree. It grows mainly on poorly drained soils, and wet, boggy sites, which we have a lot of here in Prince Edward Island.

The Black Spruce is an ________________ or ________________ tree.

In what type of soils does the Black Spruce grow?__________________________________________

Do you think a black spruce is actually black? ________________

Actually, the Black Spruce is dark green in color. It is called the "Black" Spruce to distinguish between different types of Spruce trees.

Leaf Art (grade 1-3)

Earth Sounds (grade 1-3)

Leaf Classification (grade 3-5)

Decaying Log (grade 4-5)

Biotic and Abiotic Parts of the Environment (grade 4-5)

Trees and Habitats (grade 4-7)

Investigating Ecosystems (grade 6-8)

Sunshine on the Water (grade 6-8)

Make Your Own Ecosystem

In a large aquarium, place peat moss and soil. Pack it in tightly to the bottom and sides of the aquarium. Plant some plants in the aquarium. These plants could include: moss, ferns, grass etc. Dig a hole in the soil on one side and fill it with water. This will create a ground water table for the plants to feed on. Collect spiders, worms, and other insects and place them in the tank as well. Place a breathable cover on the aquarium. Water every few days. This will make your own little ecosystem. Compare this with the ecosystem of the Southern Kings Nature Trail. Are there any similarities? Young and Old. Try to list natural things you see in order from youngest to oldest. Trees, rocks, flowers, etc., could be on the list, but which ones were here before the others?

Circle of Life

Did you know that, ounce for ounce, a dead and rotting tree often contains more living matter than a live tree? That’s because decaying logs are full of insects, bacteria, fungi and other species that break dead trees back down to soil for the next generation. If you see a “dead” log, look closely for all the life it contains.

Dare to be Silent

Take a rest break and sit quietly for as long as you can— while noting how many things you can see/hear in nature. When you’re done, talk about how long you sat, how many things you observed and what you noticed that you’d missed when talking and moving.

Super Duper Nature Trail Quiz

This is our “Super Challenge Quiz”! To do well in this quiz, you have to have a basic knowledge of environmental science. If you want to see how good you really are, then go for it! Good luck!

1. How do plants and animals interact within the trail's different habitats?

2. What type of plants and animals will I find?

3. What factors affect the survival of plants and/or animals in their local ecosystem as they relate to shelter or landscape?

4. Do different habitats have different types of flowers and trees? Are their seeds different?

5. Does habitat affect blooming times?

6. What is the soil and ground terrain like where blueberries grow? Where do partridge berries, raspberries, and cranberries grow?

7. What birds come to the trail's different habitats? What do they feed on?

Southern Kings Nature Trail Trail Map Trail Brochure Trail Interpretive Stations

SKC Wins 2007 PEI Environmental Award Students on the Nature Trail

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