Leaf-Out Update: March 7, 1997

"If it weren't for leaves, I would not be alive."

Have you ever considered this thought? At first it might seem crazy, but think about it some more and then see if you can answer this Challenge Question:

Challenge Question # 3
"Why does your life depend on leaves? (Clue: Think about your place in the food chain.)"

To respond to this Challenge Question please follow the instructions at the end of this report.

How to Report Leaf-Out:
We hope you're ready to report leaf-out in your region. Simply press the Owl Button on the left and a Field Data Form will appear. Remember, your leaves must be the size of a U.S. quarter, our definition of leaf-out.

Just Like Magic
Take a look at the bare branches outside your window. Consider what's about to occur. Read naturalist and author Annie Dillard's description of leaf-out below, then see if you can capture the magic in your own words. (If you like what you write, be sure to send it to us at: jnorth@learner.org)

"There's a real power here. It's amazing that trees can turn gravel and bitter salts into these soft-lipped lobes, as if I were to bite down on a granite slab and start to swell, bud, and flower. Trees seem to do their feats so effortlessly. A big elm in a single season might make as many as six million leaves, wholly intricate, without budging an inch; I couldn't make one".
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard

Today is Tapping Day
The race is on! Today is maple tree tapping day in Vermont and Minnesota. There's still plenty of time for you to join the contest! Watch the weather reports, meet the Vermont and Minnesota contestants and then place your guess:

Challenge Question #2
"Whose sugaring bucket will fill first, Vermont's or Minnesota's? What date do you predict the first bucket will be full?"

How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:
Please do not answer both questions in one message!

How to Respond to Journey North Leaf-Out Challenge Question # 2

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-leaf@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question # 2
3. In the body of the message, give your answer to this question:

Challenge Question #2
"Whose sugaring bucket will fill first, Vermont's or Minnesota's? What date do you predict the first bucket will be full?"

How to Respond to Journey North Leaf-Out Challenge Question # 3

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-leaf@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question # 3
3. In the body of the message, give your answer to this question:

Challenge Question # 3
"Why does your life depend on leaves? (Clue: Think about your place in the food chain.)"

Don't Forget!
Please include the name of your school and your location so we can credit you properly for your answers.

The Next Leaf-Out Update Will be Posted on March 21, 1997