The Meadow is a different type of habitat from the ones you have seen so far in the Preserve. What do you notice about the Meadow that makes it different from the woods?

Is it brighter? Warmer? More open? Do different types of plants live here?

Without as many trees to block the sunlight, the meadow is warmer and sunnier than other parts of the Preserve. The types of plants that you will find here need more sunlight and thrive in drier conditions.

Find a flower in the Meadow. Look closely into the flower. Do you see any insects? You may have to look very closely - some insects can be very small!

Most plants are pollinated by insects. The insects visit flowers looking for nectar and pollen to eat. As they do this, they spread the pollen from flower to flower. Plants need to be pollinated in order to produce seeds and make more plants.

Honeybees and butterflies are not the only insects that pollinate plants. Beetles, flies, and moths also perform this important service.

Even though the Meadow is very open, there are still plenty of places for animals to hide and seek shelter.

This prickly pear cactus has grown quite big. If you bend down and look close to the base of the plant you can see very small trails leading into the center of the cactus.

What do you think could be making the trails? 

Perhaps small animals are seeking shelter inside the cactus bush from the hot sun or from predators.