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Blend In Like a Bug

Activity

The Secret World of Camouflage in Pease Park

Insects are masters of disguise, and they use camouflage to hide from predators or sneak up on prey. Find a spot in Pease Park and look closely at the trees, rocks, and plants. Can you spot any insects that are camouflaged? Maybe a grasshopper blending into the grass or a moth hiding on a tree trunk? Once you’ve found one, try to copy its camouflage! Find a place to blend in with your surroundings, just like your insect.

Science Seed

Camouflage is one of the most amazing adaptations insects have developed to survive. It helps them avoid predators or sneak up on prey. Some insects, like the praying mantis, have bodies that blend into plants, making them nearly invisible to both their prey and predators. Others, like the leafhopper, look just like the leaves they live on, making it hard for animals to spot them. Insects like moths and butterflies use colors and patterns that match the bark or leaves of the trees they rest on, hiding them from hungry birds. In Pease Park, you can find these masters of disguise all around—if you look closely enough! Camouflage isn’t just about hiding, though; it also helps insects survive in their environment by keeping them safe and allowing them to thrive.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Pease Park Conservancy

The Ecologist School Pocket Guide: Pease Park Edition is a collaboration between Families in Nature and Pease Park Conservancy as an effort to help our community learn more about the ecosystem and history of Pease Park, while getting outside into nature together! This booklet has 64 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn and volunteer in the park as a family!

Each branch of science corresponds with a matching badge featured in the top right corner of every activity. Complete all 4 activities in a science slice and you are eligible to earn that badge.

Circle of Sciences

Our hands-on activities span across 16 different branches of science! Each Science Slice is broken into 8 learning categories: S.T.E.A.M., Volunteerism, Outdoor Skills and Leadership Development. Our activities are designed to be enjoyed by all ages.

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Pease Park Conservancy works in partnership with the City of Austin to set the standard for the principles of world-class park management – emphasizing environmental excellence – to improve the quality of this treasured green space for the enjoyment of all.

Our mission celebrates the diverse ecology and history that make Austin’s first public park valuable and unique. The Conservancy works to restore, enhance and maintain this 84-acre public green space for the sustainable use and enjoyment of all.