Earth’s Classroom

June 30, 2023
by Jack Barnett

On June 24 through June 30, I accompanied Bill and Jody Miles of Earth’s Classroom on a tour titled “The Current River Adventure”. Earth’s Classroom is a 501(c)3 non-profit Outdoor Learning Center that emphasizes hands-on experience in teaching about conservation and the flora and fauna of Missouri. The itinerary was four days of backpacking from Powder Mill to Current River State Park, then two days of canoeing down the Current River back to Powder Mill.

Bill and Jody were the organizers and hosts. They provided an on-going narration throughout the six-day expedition, describing the plants and creatures we encountered along the way. They were an engaging source of an impressive wealth of knowledge about the environment and the interdependent nature of everything we experienced along the way.

They described themselves as outdoor educators, and both hold degrees of that title from Northland College. I would add the description of them as naturalists, by any definition of the term.

We encountered many of Missouri’s well-known native plants and trees, including the expected varieties of oak and hickory, along with the short-leaf pines, hornbeams, dogwoods, and many others. We also encountered less-often seen herbaceous plants, including Lizard’s Tail, Soapwort, and Viper’s Bugloss, all in full bloom.

Lizard’s Tail along the banks of a Current River slough

Viper’s Bugloss in full bloom

We also found the nest of a solitary hornet, which was a unique, delicate structure I had previously not seen. It reminded me of the amazing intricacies of the natural world, much of which go unnoticed unless I venture into more remote areas of our world.

Solitary Hornet nest

 Then we had an added surprise on our third day. We came across a small herd of five wild horses, who initially scattered when they noticed our small group of hikers, but rather quickly returned as if they had forgotten something. It turned out they returned to look after a newly-born foal. We noticed that one of the mares had a considerable amount of discharge on her tail and rear legs, indicating that the birth had likely occurred within an hour or so. The foal was yet unable to stand it was so new to this earth. The small herd was very apprehensive of us, and although we were wary of the stallion (who was watching us intently) we were allowed us to pass without incident. What a fascinating encounter that was!

A small herd of mares and one stallion.

The mare and her foal.
The new mother still had discharge all over her tail and legs, so the foal was probably only an hour (or so) old.

On the return trip on the river, Bill and Jody trapped many varieties of small fish, mussels and insects, using them to explain how to determine the health of the river by the species contained therein.

In addition, they both seemed to know every bird and their habits, identifying them by both sound and sight. The whole package made for a really interesting experience. It helped me to further appreciate this extraordinary environment in which we are so graced to live.

Lazily drifting downriver near Round Spring, Missouri

Twin Rocks, one of the more iconic spots on the Current River