Spring 2000
 This issue of Puddler gives readers a peek at homes in holes and some of the animals that live in them. Soil also gets a closer look, since it makes a great place for digging holes and a lot of other surprising activity. The issue also continues a series that encourages children to look more closely at nature's "small spaces" (such as the fallen tree featured this time around); these "mini habitats" often harbor surprising amounts of life.

Special Feature:  "Homes in Holes"
Summary:
For many animals, a simple hole is home sweet home. Holes provide shelter for many kinds of animals, from swarms of insects to hibernating mammals. Animals may dig their own holes or borrow holes made by others. They may use natural cavities or spaces within trees, rocks or other places. Some animals even move into holes inside human dwellings. Animals may use holes for temporary shelter, to bear young or to live in year-round.

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More About...: "...The Scoop on Soil"

Beneath our feet lies some pretty amazing stuff: soil! It's a combination of organic and inorganic material that comes in a variety of colors and textures. Soil supports plant life and shelters numerous underground animals. Things live, die, rot and change form among its depths. Soil hides surprising secrets, from trash to fossils.

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 K-3 Activity
          
   4 -6 Activity

Young Naturalist:  "A Closer Look: Fallen Tree"
Summary:
While many people enjoy seeing large animals in places like lakes and fields, smaller habitats can hide a surprising amount of life on a smaller scale. For example, a fallen log may signal the death of a tree, but it creates a whole new world for creatures seeking food and shelter on the ground. When outdoors, it's worthwhile to take the time to study the landscape on smaller scaleósuch as the rotting oak log featured in this issueófor signs of activity that might otherwise be overlooked.

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