Friday July 15th - Sandy Hook

I had been looking forward to this Friday all week and it did not disappoint. We started the day at Hoffman park and saddled up fast as we were all eager to get to Sandy Hook. Upon arrival we met with the SCA members working at the park there. Before beginning our hike, we played a round of ninja and one of Chalupa. We then met with the Essex County crew and split into smaller groups to be lead through the forest. We learned about how plants survive on the beaches as well as the scientific names for many plants found there. For example, we identified bayberry and cedar. The crew members there also told us how the military engineered poison ivy trees to deter spies. We had a quiz on what we learned and had a chance to ask questions about what working at Sandy Hook is like. Finally, we took our long awaited trip to the shore itself. We got in plenty of refreshing swim time before we reluctantly headed back to vans for our return trip. Another excellent environmental education day under our belts.