Outdoor Activities for Children

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.

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

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