MY BACKYARD

"My backyard is filled with adventures. There are the wild plants that have been there since the dawn of time, and there are the plants that my dad has planted. Many diffrent types of animals live in my backyard. I'll name a few.

First there are the birds that my dad gives berries and birdseed to. I love to watch them play games in the sky and listen to them answer each other's calls. Sometimes, they will wake me up in the morning.

I'll collect acorns and put them by a tree for the squirrels to eat. I love watching squirrels climb up trees. My dog will bark at them all day long. The squirrels live in the trees that surround my home. I see beautiful chipmunks fighting over a nut. Chimpmunks remind me of squirrels with their poofy, poof-up tails.

I see White-Tailed Deer trying to eat my dad's strawberries.

Over by the tree is a bobcat just sitting there as I watch it. It's just starring at me. Its deep, yellow eyes look like gold. I stand still watching it do its cat-like actions.

I shold throw in the toad that lived in my sand box or the skunk that lived in my garage that I called "kitty." I should also tell you about the cat in my backyard. We gave it a box to live in, food and water, and a new home, just like Refuge Ridge.

When I hear the crackling of the fire, I know that my dad is getting ready to plant something new for the animals, maybe carrots for the bunnies, or flowers, or even fresh green grass for the deer. Whatever it is, I know that it will help the environment just like you do at Refuge Ridge. I'll keep on helping animals in need. I love you Refuge Ridge!"

-ELH 9yrs old.