Last week was Ravens Reach Out Day! Our class joined kindergarten to take a service field trip to the Watershed Center, where students had the opportunity to connect with nature and give back to the environment. The day began with a quick lesson from our guide at the Watershed Center, who taught students a little about what the Watershed Center is and why it is helpful to our community.
First, we embarked on a short nature hike, where students explored the variety of trees in the area and the swampy landscape. One of the highlights was learning about deciduous conifers—trees that lose their needles in the fall, a rare and fascinating type of conifer that our passionate guide was excited to share with us. We saw some exciting insects along the way and could hear the squirrels rustling in the trees!
Next we learned about seeds! Students learned about gathering native seeds, an important part of maintaining and restoring local ecosystems. Then, they got their hands dirty by helping plant native seeds in soil, learning about the importance of preserving native plants and encouraging biodiversity.
This trip was also the first time this year that students rode the Summit Shuttle further than the PE gym, which added an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. Overall, Raven Reach Out Day was a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with the environment, participate in hands-on service, and deepen their understanding of local ecosystems.