More than 150 third-graders connect with nature at Montour Preserve via four-station field trip

More than 150 Lewisburg third-graders converged on the Montour Preserve on Friday, May 31, for a four-station experience designed to give them a taste of different opportunities available at the preserve. 

Students were able to explore the environmental center/nature center's numerous displays with a scavenger hunt experience looking for facts and info among both older exhibits as well as newer offerings, such as a hellbender display and the new Vernal School Eels in the Classroom experience. This station was run by Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky.

Another station included exploration of the preserve's popular fossil pit with presentation by Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames and her 11-year-old son Liam before students had a chance to look for their own fossils.

​A pond study allowed students to better appreciate the aquatic ecosystem at the preserve, looking for a variety of macroinvertebrates, frogs and other species. This station was overseen by interns Sarah Joy and Jay Schofield.

Finally, a guided hike along the preserve's Planet Walk also included an observational scavenger hunt for various mounted animals with unique facts about each species. This was handled by interns Theadora Duane and Carson Welliver.

"Everyone we talked to felt the stations ran smoothly, provided great educational value to our students and created lasting memories. We could tell that everyone who ran a station was passionate, knowledgeable and great with kids," said Lewisburg third-grade teacher Katie Concini. "Thank you so much for your time and help as we planned this trip for the first time. Again, it was a great trip that we all enjoyed. We plan on coming back next year."