This October, we followed our three host researchers into the field to learn more about what they study. It was so exciting to see how they conduct their research and help them collect data.

First, we traveled to Wood-Rille Nature Reserve with host researcher Lee Frelich and his graduate student Andy Holdsworth. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to spend hiking in the woods!

We visited a deer exclosure, which is a large area fenced off to white tailed deer. There, we made an interesting discovery while comparing plant abundance inside and outside the exclosure. Can YOU tell which picture was taken inside and which picture was taken outside?

We also got a chance to extract some earthworms from the soil. I won't tell you what secret ingredient gets those worms wiggling out of their burrows. You'll have to watch the video and find out for yourself!

Next, we traveled to the University of Minnesota's research plots with host researcher, Jeff Gillman. Jeff told us about the many projects he's involved in, like disease resistance in roses and other urban shrubs and trees.

We helped Jeff's associate, Chad Giblin, take measurements and make observations in a study plot filled with elm trees. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of elm trees!

Then we talked about hydroponics; what they are and why researchers use them. Jeff also taught us how to set up our own hydroponics experiment. Visit 'Curriculum Goodies' to learn how to set an experiment up in your classroom!

Finally, we went to beautiful Tamarack Park to meet with Natural Resource Specialist, John Moriarty. John told us how he works to keep the ecosystem of the park and surrounding areas in balance.

He told us how high White-tailed deer populations can negatively impact urban ecosystems, and he also told us how he monitors and manages those populations. We even got a chance to help him out with a browse survey.

Last but not least, we talked about browse lines and how they indicate a high population of deer. Can YOU identify the browse line in this picture?

Whew! We really had a lot of fun this fall's and we made some interesting discoveries. We hope you have as much fun with it as much as we did. Soon, we will start planning our fieldtrip for the winter segment. Stay tuned for further updates!