Nature Walk
The Nature Walk tour is designed to introduce students to the interconnected
nature of our world using CA native plants within Mission Canyon. Students get a
look at what living things need to survive, how organisms depend on one another,
the importance of ecosystem health, and our role in the natural landscape.
Key concepts covered in this tour:
1. Plants are made up of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers that aid in their
survival.
a. Roots anchor plants to the ground and supply water and nutrients.
b. Stems support a plant and help it gather sunlight.
c. Leaves are the primary location of photosynthesis and provide the
plant with energy. Leaves also are where plants exchange gases, like
carbon dioxide and oxygen, and where water escapes.
d. Flowers are the reproductive organ of the plant and attract
pollinators through appearance, scent, or food.
2. All living things need food and water in order to live.
a. Plants produce food using the sun’s energy.
3. Plants and animals depend on one another for their survival
a. Animals rely on plants to survive which rely on the health of their
ecosystem
b. Animals obtain food from plants or from animals that rely on plants
c. The long-term health of natural systems are influenced by their
relationships with human societies
d. As animals, humans rely on plants for food, supplies (lumber, paper),
and services (supplying oxygen).
4. Living things influence their environment
a. Plants and animals can change their environment.
b. Direct and indirect changes to natural systems due to the growth of
human populations and consumption influence natural systems
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 • (805) 682-4726 ext. 161 • [email protected]