Ode to a Toad by Deborah Castañeda
O find him a cottage in twilight and gloom
With insects and slugs adorning each room
Preferably damp, if not downright wet
Close to a pond, and as soon as it's let
He'll close on the deal; he'll move right on in
With a sly sideways hop and a big toad-sized grin.
Likely he'll thank you with a good-fellow wink
Then sit in the water, let his skin take a drink.
He doesn't mind jests or being called "Bumpy."
He's proud of his skin, which is all rough and lumpy.
But keep all your chemicals far from his kin.
Or they'll all turn up corpses; their skin is so thin.
Like a coal-mine canary, his health can assure
That your habitat's safe, your environs are pure.
As a garden assistant, he is one of the best.
Devouring with gusto each insect-type pest.
He's a somnolent chap in the daytime is Toad,
Walk soft, please, in passing his humble abode.
TOAD ABODE is constructed of terra cotta clay and painted primarily with Folkart Multi-Surface, Non-toxic Paints on outside surfaces, then sealed with Folkart Outdoor Multi-Surface Non-toxic sealer. Lower rim of the abode and inside surfaces are left unsealed so the clay can absorb moisture from the ground and keep Mr. Toad cool and comfortable. If his mailbox is full, toad-sized letters can be left for him at the Ogden Nature Center front desk.
The Wavy Finch Duplex by Dean Leake
The Wavy Finch Duplex stands as a quirky monument of scrap wood and memory. It’s a two-story sanctuary where I’ve tucked away a secret: soft, golden tufts of hair from Lily, our beloved rough collie. She spent her days as the self-appointed garden guardian. Now, the finches weave her spirit into their nests. Lily isn’t here to watch them anymore, but she’s keeping them warm.
Memories with Grandpa by Jessica Lilly
When COVID hit in 2020 and we were all forced to remain inside, my son—who was five at the time—was bored out of his mind. I was able to work from home, but I couldn’t give him the attention he needed. That’s when my dad, his grandpa, came to the rescue. He started spending time with my son, and together they began building things. One of the first projects they made was a Godzilla‑themed birdhouse.
During a visit to the Nature Center, my son noticed that visitors could submit a birdhouse to be displayed along the walkway. He immediately wanted to enter the one he and his grandpa had built, so they submitted their Godzilla birdhouse. He had such a great experience that it became a tradition—they built a new birdhouse together every year.
Now, in 2026, my dad is getting older and, due to health issues, wasn’t able to build a birdhouse this year. In honor of his grandpa, my son decided to build one himself, decorating it with pictures of all the birdhouses they created together.
And.... even more special, grandpa does not know about the birdhouse and we will surprise him on Earth Day when it is on display!
Thank you! We are excited to be able to share this wonderful experience with everyone!
Sixteen, Going on Featherteen by Emily Broadbear
The hills are alive with "the sound of music" in spring,
Where little wings gather and sweet beginnings sing—
16, going on featherteen.
