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You will need:

  • A variety of different kinds of trees
  • Plain white paper
  • Masking tape
  • Crayons
  • Field guide to trees (optional)
  • What to do:

  • Find a tree with an interesting bark pattern
  • Use the masking tape to tape the paper to the tree.
  • Use the side of a crayon (you will have to peel the paper off) and gently rub the paper.
  • Make rubbings of several kinds of trees and compare them.
  • You might want to bring along a field guide to help you identify the trees.
  • If you know what they are, you can write the name on the rubbing.
     
  • Outdoor Activities
    Children in Nature
    Maryland Department of Natural Resources

    Young girl leaning against tree bark, iStock photo

    Bark Rubbings

    Most people know that different kinds of trees have different shaped leaves. But have you ever noticed that different trees have different bark patterns, too? Bark patterns are another way of identifying a tree, especially once the leaves have fallen. One way to learn more about tree bark is to make bark rubbings.

     

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