Micro Objective - Kingdom Plantae - 50

While humans are very good at shaping the environment to their liking, plant life doesn’t always play along! Plants grow in the cracks of our parking lots, their roots shove sidewalks out of place, and they generally make homes wherever they see fit. This micro objective challenges you to take a look at the ways plants reclaim manmade landscapes in your neighborhood.

Objective:

1) Take a break from whatever you're doing and go for a short 5-10 minute walk.

2) Pay attention to where plant life meets manmade structures. As you find interesting plant/human interactions, photograph them.

3) Choose your favorite image and share it in a post in our Facebook Group.

4) Alongside the image you shared, describe the photo. Include details such as:

• Where the photo was taken.

• How the featured plant life is reclaiming the manmade landscape.

• Any details you find interesting about the image.

Micro Objective - Kingdom Plantae - 50

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves to slow down. This micro objective asks you to take a moment to stop and smell the roses... or tulips.... or cherry blossoms...

Objective:

1) As you go about your routine keep an eye out for flowers. 

2) When you walk by a flower, stop for a moment, cozy up to the flower and give it a nice, long, smell.

3) Let us know that you completed the objective in the comments below.

Micro Objective - Kingdom Plantae - 50

Objective: 

1) Take a look at the work of Andy Goldsworthy by browsing his archive. You may also enjoy watching 50 Years from National Galleries Scotland.

2) Take between 2-10 minutes to respond to the following writing prompt.

Imagine you are planning to devote an entire day to creating a piece of art inspired by Goldsworthy. What materials would you use? How would you alter/shape your materials into a natural sculpture? Where would you build it? 

3) Leave your response in the comments below.

Micro Objective - Kingdom Plantae - 50

Objective:

1) Watch Predatory Plants: Lure of the Cobra Lily from KQED.

2) Let us know what you thought of it in the comments below.

Member's Only Micro Quest - Kingdom Plantae - 50

Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a member of Quest Scouts. Our Member's Only Micro Quests are our special monthly thank you. This month's isn't a brain burner, but we hope you'll have fun with it. 

Objective:

1) Download and print the puzzle from our members only page, or use the back of the Kingdom Plantae quest card that Scout Pack Member's will receive in the mail. (Really though, you could also use any blank piece of paper for this one. It's up to you!)

2) Set a timer for two minutes. (Try not to sit and brainstorm too long beforehand. That would ruin the fun.)

3) For two minutes, write down as many types of flowers as you can. Example: Tulips. 

4) Report how many flowers you came up with in the comments below.

Kingdom Plantae - Find - 250

Objective:

1) Find a geocache or letterbox that is hidden in a public garden or arboretum.

2) Take a photo of yourself at or near the hide* location and share it in our Facebook group.

3) Alongside your photo, tell us about your adventure.

• What geocache/letterbox did you find? (Provide GC/AQ number if relevant.)

• Did anything interesting happen while you were searching?

*A "find/hide" can be either a geocache or letterbox. Not familiar with either? Watch this video by Groundspeak, the #1 lister of geocaches or read about letterboxing from Atlas Quest.

Kingdom Plantae - DIY - 300

Objective:

Sow something you’ve never attempted to grow.

Details:

It wouldn't be right to offer a "Kingdom Plantae" badge without asking you to put your hands in the dirt! For this objective you’ll be planting something you've never grown before. With so many varieties of seeds on the market it won't be hard to find something new to plant.

1) Attain seeds of a plant that you've never grown before. For best results, make sure to research whether or not your seeds will thrive in the environment you plan to grow them in.

2) Plant your seeds.

3) Post what you planted in the comments below.

4) (Optional) Periodically post update photos of your plant's progress in the Quest Scouts Facebook Group.

Kingdom Plantae - Photography - 100

Objective:

Share an artisitic photograph of a tree.

Details:

1) Choose a tree that you find visually appealing.

2) Photograph your tree. Think of this as more than a "snaphot." Explore depth, perspective, lighting and texture until you get a high quality shot. 

If you’d like some tips and tricks, fototripper has a great tutorial about tree photography.

3) Share your photo in a post in our Facebook Group.