Today we took a bus to the Black Run Preserve in Evesham Township. There, we met John Volpa, the chair of Friends of the Black Run Preserve, who taught us a little history about the Pine Barrens and the indigenous species living there. Among the topics he covered were watersheds, coastal plains, and aquifers. Then we began our hike through the woods, which was broken up into mini-lessons about different sights and species. When we dredged for animals in the water, we saw a dragonfly nymph, a banded sunfish and mud minnows. We continued on our walk, and explored new places, such as a retention pond, and the Atlantic Cedar forest. Covering the ground of the forest, there is a spongy moss that has been used for healing cuts in the two World Wars. Afterwards, we journeyed back to the bus, where we went to get lunch at the Promenade. Following lunch, we did some work building a new trail, by clearing away branches and vines, so people can enjoy the Pine Barrens just as much as we do.
