MARION – On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Marion Natural History Museum’s after-school group had a chance to learn about the different types of trees in the area and to take a look at some equipment used by foresters to help protect trees. The presentation was led by State Forester James Rassman. 

By looking at a tree “cookie,” the students were able to count the rings to determine its age, and learn about the services the different sections, including the heart wood, sap wood, and bark or phloem, provide for the tree.

The class had a chance to look at how an increment borer is used to determine the age of the tree and where on the tree it is used. Some trees can live over 4,000 years, but remain relatively small in height. They also discovered why one tree can have vastly different size leaves depending on where the leaf is growing on the tree.

Despite the pouring rain that day, the class was able to manage a quick walk to gather specimens to inspect with magnifiers and learn about indoors.

The next two after school programs are: dissecting owl pellets, and an annual holiday party.

To register for upcoming programs, visit www.marionmuseum.org.