Nature
Merit Badge
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Mr. R.
" ... Man masters nature not by force but by understanding . "
-- Jacob Bronowski 
 
Mr. R's Nature Passport© (a 4"x5" pocket guide) is available in PDF format to print out for non-profit use (requires free Adobe Acrobat© Reader).  Passports are copyrighted, but scouts and troops may use them free of charge if they create only one per scout.  NO scout may be charged! BSA councils must first contact Mr. R. before creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc.
 
Req.
#1

Name three ways in which plants are important to animals. Name a plant that is important to animals that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk. 
 
Req.
#2
 Name three ways in which animals are important to plants. Name an animal that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
 
 
Req.
#3
 Explain the term "food chain." Give an example of a four-step land food chain and a four-step water food chain.
 
Req.
#4
 Do all the requirements in FIVE of the following fields
(Choose from sections  a through h, and complete EVERY requirement in each section):
(a) BIRDS
    (1) In the field, identify eight species of birds.
    (2) Make and set out a birdhouse OR a feeding station OR a birdbath. List what birds used it during a period of one month.
  • L&R Designs  Free Bridhouse Design
  • USGS  Build A Birdhouse
  • About.com  Free Plans to Build Bird Houses (many links)
  • About.com  Bird Baths, Ponds, Misters and Drippers (many links)
  • About.com  How to Build Bird Feeders - Free Plans (many links)

(b) MAMMALS
    (1) In the field, identify three species of wild animals.
    (2) Make plaster casts of the tracks of a wild ainmal.
(c) REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS
    (1) Show that you can recognize the poisonous snakes in your area.
    (2) In the field, identify three species of reptiles or amphibians.
    (3) Recognize one species of toad or frog by voice; OR identify one reptile or amphibian by eggs, den, burrow or other signs.
  • JungleWalk.com  Frogs: Audio (make sure the AUDIO tab is selected - in the white box click on arrow and choose desired frog species - then click GO)
  • Yarra Ranges  Frog Sounds (all MP3 format)
(d) INSECTS and SPIDERS
    (1) Collect, mount, and label 10 species of insects or spiders.
    (2) Hatch an insect from the pupa or cocoon; OR hatch adults from nymphs;    OR keep larvae until they form pupae or cocoons; OR keep a colony of ants or bees through one season.
(e) FISH
    (1) Catch and identify two species of fish. 
    (2) Collect four kinds of animal food eaten by fish in the wild.
(f) MOLLUSKS AND CRUSTACEANS
    (1) Identify five species of mollusks and crustaceans.
    (2) Collect, mount, and label six shells.
(g) PLANTS
    (1) In the field, identify 15 species of wild plants.
    (2) Collect and label seeds of six plants; OR the leaves of 12 plants.
 
(h) SOILS AND ROCKS
    (1) Collect and identify soils found in different layers of a soil profile.
    (2) Collect and identify five different types of rocks from your area.
 
NOTE:
In most cases all specimens should be returned to the wild at the location of original capture after the requirements have been met. Check with your merit badge counselor for those instances where the return of these specimens would not be appropriate.
Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, some plants and animals are or may be protected by federal law. The same ones and/or others may be protected by state law. Be sure that you do not collect protected species.
Your state may require that you purchase and carry a license to collect certain species. Check with the wildlife and fish and game official in your state regarding species regulations before you begin to collect.
 
 Nature 
BSA Advancement ID#: 78
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2003
Requirements last updated in 2004

"Composite Nature Background" from:
Phyllis's World - raccoon - Used with permission
Iris' Garden -  cactus
Maryland Division of Natural Resources - warbler
 

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Web page updated December 2008

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