March 19

#SOL22 #19

Yesterday, I startled this Pacific tree frog while mowing the lawn. I was very excited to see it, a sign of spring and of ecosystem health. I sent a snapshot to my herp-loving son, who responded with “whoa, that’s a VERY pregnant frog!” I was oblivious, but he assured me as wide as the body is, it must be a pregnant female.

I was jubilant, having visions of additional frogs appearing in our backyard to help reduce the slug populations, my main nemesis since they chomp everything I am growing! I wondered if this was the same frog I first spied in the extreme heat last summer, the one who hung out on my hose reel, obviously seeking water.

I was fascinated by the color variations between the critter I saw last summer and the one I recently spied. And was gratified to discover that they, indeed, can change their coloring to reflect their environment.

My pleasant vision came crashing down when my husband commented that the birds of prey who inhabit the area will undoubtedly enjoy munching on the newly-hatched frogs.  As I read more about this species of frog, I learned that they do eat slugs, insects, and a variety of other arthropods. On the flip side, “most treefrogs die at the egg or tadpole stage.” Their predators include everything from diving beetles to foxes.

This is, after all, the cycle of life. Most animal species are both predator and prey. And when humans leave everything in balance, it works well, and our planet flourishes. When we try to control, when we decide what is “good” or “bad” and propagate or annihilate accordingly, our planet suffers.

 

 

 

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Posted March 19, 2022 by inspirepassion in category SOL22

About the Author

I am a process-focused leader who uses collaboration, authenticity, and mentoring as key skills to inspire passion among learners of all ages. Aggregate eclectic professional experiences have honed my ability to coach others in designing and implementing courses of study using inquiry-/project-based learning (PBL).

14 thoughts on “#SOL22 #19

  1. Betsy M Hubbard

    Lovely pictures and story. Cycles in our world are so important to watch and witness. I hope you still get to see a few babies. They are so sweet.

    Reply
  2. Annalee

    Beautiful picture of the cycle of life-occurring in your own backyard. Yes, when we try to control things, it never works out that well. Great reminder. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Chris

    I’ll echo Claire’s comment–this is a post that beautifully illustrates that we never stop learning, if we allow it and seek more knowledge. I hope you get to share this with students as an example of inquiry!

    Reply
    1. inspirepassion (Post author)

      Agreed, Chris, I have a hard time relating to people who lack curiosity and stop learning. As for sharing with students… I use inquiry-based practices, but teach history and literature/storytelling at the secondary level, so…

      Reply
  4. Clare Landrigan

    I love how this slice of life sparked inquiry and learning. Shouldn’t that be the same for our students? Purposeful research based on life and interest – beautiful. Also, that last sentence is so powerful. That could be the lead to a research based essay. I love how it all started with a slice of life!

    Reply
    1. inspirepassion (Post author)

      Absolutely, Clare! You may not be surprised to learn that I use 100% inquiry-based practices in my classes. My students hear the word “why?” more than any other. 🙂

      Reply
    1. inspirepassion (Post author)

      Ah, yes, we enjoyed the Spring Peepers while living in the Midwest. The Pacific tree frog is a Pacific Northwest equivalent.

      Reply
  5. Celia

    Wow, I learnt so much from your slice and agree with your comments about leaving the balance and not trying to control nature. I hope many frog babies survive!

    Reply
  6. shawndastories

    I can totally relate to this slice-my son also loves frogs and made a video about the pacific northwest tree frog when he was 8. Every summer we go to a nearby park that seems to be a breeding ground for them and they are hopping all over the place. They are really cool little creatures!

    Reply
    1. inspirepassion (Post author)

      We lived in a Chicago-area suburb when my son was growing up, and he dragged me all over the place to investigate various critters. We were fortunate to have a nature preserve close by where he and I explored the pond and river as a regular part of our routine. That young boy is now a grown man with a degree in environmental biology.

      Reply

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