Acorns, River Clay deposits, Deer spottings!

 November 12, 2025- Henry Cowell Redwood Old Growth Trail and River Trail

Students walked the River Trail, and we found clay deposits at the river. I've found some clay deposits along this river as well but this was a new spot! Some students played with the clay. If only we could harvest some for some primitive pottery making, but we are not allowed to take resources from State parks.

Students explored the river before a major rain the very next day- the very place students got to explore this day was completely filled with rushing river water the next day. Students chose their favorite rock and brought the rock to our 'camp' to use for acorn splitting.

Students helped to break apart harvested valley oak acorns (from Bonny Doon) and take out the meats out of the acorns as a fine motor activity. Discussed the process of leaching acorns of their tannins through long time soaking, or boiling in water, then drying and grinding to flour. Other students drew with crayon. 

Plants Identified: Coyote Bush, Rattlesnake Grass, 

Animals Identified: Deer, Banana Slug 

How to Eat Acorns | Are Acorns Edible & How to Prepare Them