GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Caecilia Meier held the dung beetle in her hand as she led a group of 10 along the Environmental Trail, Oct. 10.
When she got to a good stopping point, Meier, an environmental specialist for the Directorate of Public Works, bent down and showed the beetle to two 4-year-old boys.
They gaped excitedly as Meier explained that the beetles are completely harmless and got their name by laying eggs in the droppings of larger animals.
When she asked the boys if they'd like to hold the beetle, Jayden Cueva instantly plucked the bug from Meier's hand, giggling wildly.
Beginning directly behind the Wild B.O.A.R. facility at Tower Barracks, the Environmental Trail winds 1.6 miles through the forest of the Grafenwoehr Training Area.
The trail is home to a diverse range of plants, trees, fungi and animals. Signs dot the path, highlighting aspects of this ecological richness, like edible plants, tree species and wild game in the training area.
Every few months, Meier leads a group on a nature walk along the trail. Using an intimate knowledge of the local ecosystem, Meier makes the local flora and fauna understandable for both children and adults.
"Nature has been a hobby my whole life," said Meier.
Her genuine enthusiasm for the subject was contagious. As Meier demonstrated bird calls, squeezed water out of moss and plucked chanterelle mushrooms and wild carrots from the ground, children and adults asked questions and eagerly answered hers.
For the parents who arrived with kids in tow, the Environmental Trail Tour was an opportunity to feed their children's curiosity and help them understand the outdoor world.
"I think it's great for kids to learn about the different trees and nature," said Kelly Smith, who brought her 4-year-old son, Wyatt.
"He's all about bugs and trees and animals," said Rosie Cueva about her son, Jayden. "It's also quality time together that I get to spend with him."
Social Sharing