18 NEBRASKAland • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015
Leafy Masterpieces
By Lindsay Rogers
As summer comes to a close and fall approaches, it is a
great time to look at leaves. There are many different kinds
of leaves – the broad, lobbed leaves of a bur oak; the giant,
triangular leaves of a catalpa tree; or the thin, needle-like
leaves of a ponderosa pine. Whatever the shape, leaves
serve one purpose for the plant – to convert the sun's energy
and carbon dioxide into food through a process called
photosynthesis.
I, however, can think of many purposes for a leaf. Shade
is a great benefit in the hot summer sun. Or try using a few
leaves to create a masterpiece. Gather a few leaves (several
different kinds or shapes work best),
a few pieces of paper, a bottle of
glue or a glue stick and some
crayons or markers.
Arrange the leaves to create a
butterfly (pine needles work well
for antennae), a wild turkey
(thin wildflower leaves
work well for a
giant turkey tail)
or a completely
new animal
creation.
Use your
imagination! ■
