Local School Nature Clubs Make Their Mark

June 9, 2016

With the month of June in full swing, local schools in the Downeast Lakes region and across the country will give their bells a final ring until the month of September.  Soon, fishing lines will be tossed into the ponds, bike tires will hit the pavement, and splashing laughter will be heard at many local swimming holes.  The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) recently concluded “Nature Club” programs at area elementary schools in Princeton and Woodland.

Every other Friday morning, DLLT Education and Outreach Manager Colin Brown visited students at Princeton Elementary School for forest adventures and lessons in the outdoors.  No matter the weather, students zipped up jackets and strapped on boots to explore the Nature Trail that loops behind the school.  From snowshoeing to tracking, orienteering to shelter building, students enjoyed many hands-on lessons that challenged their abilities and broadened horizons.  In honor of Earth Day, Nature Club participants also led a trash clean-up of the school grounds.

This spring, students from Woodland Elementary School also took part in an afterschool Nature Club that not only offered exciting lessons, but had a major component of community service.  Students spent two sessions rehabilitating an older trail behind the school, clearing debris, building small bridging, hanging signs, and cleaning up trash.

“Exploration of the natural world is a very important educational piece for today’s youth,” says Brown. “These students were engaged and did an excellent job in providing valuable service to their communities.”

The Downeast Lakes Land Trust offers free education programs every week for local residents and visitors throughout the months of July and August.  Explorations and Adventures begins on July 5^th and Serious Skills for Boys & Girls kicks off on July 7^th.  For more information about DLLT education programs, please contact Colin Brown at (207) 796 – 2100 or email cbrown@downeastlakes.org.