Let’s explore the maritime forest! Leaves come in many shapes and sizes. Pick up a few from the forest floor and make a rubbing of them in the space below. Remember Junior Rangers, protect Cumberland Island plants—don’t pick any leaves or flowers off the trees! {Junior says:} Instructions: 1. Put your leaves under this page vein side up 2. On top of the paper, lightly rub with the side of your pencil 3. Watch like magic as the leaves appear! Did you know the oldest oak trees on the island are over 400 years old! How old are you? ______________________________ Take a Penny Hike! Raccoons, bobcats, deer, and birds all live here, but many creatures of the forest are small and may go unnoticed because of their size. See what you can find in an area the size of a penny or smaller and record your findings below! —Dung beetles roll poop on the forest floor! It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it! —Fungi like mushrooms break down dead things, making food for things still alive! —A cocoon is a sign of a life soon to emerge. Butterflies spread pollen to help the flowers grow! Shifting Sand Dunes The sand dunes are important to barrier islands. They are the natural protection for the island from the wind, waves, and water of the ocean. They are important for nesting endangered shorebirds. Connect the dots below to discover another animal that needs dunes to nest! [Illustration: Draw the dots] Hint: I am a female reptile that comes ashore May through August. I lay almost 120 eggs in each nest, but only 1 in 1000 of the hatchlings will survive to adulthood. Who am I? ______________________________ Dune Highways The sandy path leading through the dunes is a great place to spot animal tracks. These footprints can tell a story of which animals have been through an area, where they came from, and where they were going! Match the animal tracks below to the animal that made it! [Illustration: A.] [Illustration: B.] [Illustration: C.] [Illustration: D.] [Illustration: __ Raccoon] [Illustration: __ Cricket] [Illustration: __ Turkey] [Illustration: __ Deer] {Junior says:} Attention Junior Rangers: we use the paths and stay off the dunes so we can protect the island and its animals! Beach Exploration Bingo! For many people, the beach is the most popular spot on the island! Take a walk on the beach and see what you can find. See how many different items you can cross off below, and then draw your favorite find in the box provided!