Brownies Discover How Pinecones Respond to Weather Changes

The Daytime Gardeners of North Haven met with Cheryl Soli’s Brownie troop #60400 to share learning activities focused on pine cones. The Brownies discovered that they can use pinecones to determine when there is high humidity or when the conditions are dry. When the air is humid, the outside of the pinecone scale absorbs moisture, and the outer cells expand. That bends the scale inwards towards the core to shut the pinecone. When the air is dry, the cells on the outer surface of the scale shrink, bending the scale outwards to open the cone and release the seeds. The Brownies were able to observe these changes in their pinecones by placing the pinecones in cups of water. They watched as their pinecones closed their scales when they absorbed water. The activity included information on the life cycle of the pinecones and evergreen trees. A variety of cones from different types of trees were available so the girls could examine them and compare the shapes and sizes. It amazed them to see that the giant redwood trees produced the tiniest pinecones!

The activity was led by Daytime Gardeners Barbara Feinberg and Mary Ellen Proto. Brenda Howlett and Helen Nada assisted. A second meeting is planned to continue the pinecone activities. The girls will bring their cones so they can compare if they are closed or open at the next meeting, and they will also use pinecones for a creative art activity.

The Daytime Gardeners of North Haven is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT, Inc, the New England Garden Clubs, Inc., and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. New members are always welcome. Please contact Daytime Gardeners for more info @ (203) 239-1557.

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Submitted by Sally Brockett

203-239-5269

Names for group picture: L-R Front row: Caroline Rizzo, Ella Donaldson, Giavanna Riccio

L-R Back row: Daytime Gardener Brenda Howlett, Eva Sobolewski, Sucely Velasquez Tyghter, Alice Gabriele, Brynley Dangelo, Daytime Gardener Helen Nado.