Thorncrag Hike

Yesterday NKOA had a great hike at Thorncrag! We collected items for next week's nature craft via a scavenger hunt. The children loaded paper grocery bags full of plantain, leaves, pinecones, grass and even rocks. We also worked on following a trail by following color blazes on a tree and using a map.


Our halfway point was the Anthony Fireplace. The kids had fun walking up and down the stone benches and posing for numerous group photos! It was a welcome rest for parents too!

One of our tasks during the hike was to collect lots of plantain. Here is a photo:

The grounds at the Anthony Fireplace proved to be a treasure trove of this wild growing weed. The children collected lots of plantain for an activity following the hike.

Once we got back to the parking lot we got to work on a project. In about six weeks or so we are going to be making a healing salve with the plantain we collected. Yesterday we prepared the plantain by ripping up the plantain leaves and setting them in mason jars. We then added olive oil and pine needles. Later essential oils were added. We are all excited to get to work on making the salve...but I guess we will have to wait for now.

We all had a great time on our first field day as NKOA 4-H members!