We are studying Botany this summer. Our assignments include field study where we trapse all over our farm gathering information about various trees. We collect the leaves, make a bark rubbing, note its location, and take a picture of each tree. We then press the leaves in a flower press we made. After the leaf is pressed we search the internet and botany books for the name of the tree. Then we compile a scrapbook page for each tree. We have enjoyed this and have found a Tulip Tree on our property...we were excited to learn that it is the Tennessee state tree. We also found an Elderberry bush. We harvested the berries and made syrup for pancakes and ice cream. Another favorite of ours is the Hackberry...the little berries are so sweet to the taste, but have the thinnest of flesh on them. We have also learned about many Indian and pioneer remedies from the leaves, bark, and berries of many of the trees on our farm.
