Jack

What does Jack love most about nature?

Jack especially loves trees. He climbs them, collects their leaves in the fall, and can often tell what kind they are. Birch is his favorite. At his six-year checkup, when asked what the door was made of, Jack answered “oak” instead of just saying wood. He appreciates that trees are homes for owls, birds, and squirrels in his backyard. Building a tree fort is his goal so he can use his real camping gear instead of just a sleeping bag in his backyard play set and spend the night up in the trees.

What is Jack's favorite animal—and why?

Caribou are Jack’s favorite animal. He finds it fascinating that both males and females grow antlers, unlike most deer species. What Jack finds coolest are their hooves, which are shaped like shovels so they can dig through snow to find food and walk safely across ice. Their wide hooves also spread their weight across the snow like snowshoes so they don’t sink. Jack loves learning how animals adapt to survive in the Arctic and hopes to find shed antlers one day to hang in his bedroom.

What is Jack's favorite outdoor activity?

Jack loves exploring outside. He rides his bike, swims in Lake Esau, plays at parks, hikes in Presque Isle, and looks for wildlife like deer, woodchucks, coyotes, and beavers with his grandpa. Last summer he jumped into the lake and came face to face underwater with a loon before they both popped up at the same time. Jack also enjoys hunting with his dad and building worm farms and frog habitats at home. He’s especially excited to explore Hocking Hills and Isle Royale National Park this year.