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Greencastle Middle School

Students from Greencastle Middle School, visiting the
Nature Park, participating in the “Oudoors Explorers” program

The 6th grade class from Greencastle Middle School has visited the Nature Park a few times for field trips, during fall 2004, spring 2006, and Spring 2009. There were about 160 middle school students during each visit. The visits were coordinated by Stacie Stoffregen, the 6th grade teacher from Greencastle Middle School, Dana Dudle, associate professor of biology at DePauw, and students from DePauw University enrolled in Dana Dudle's conservation biology class.

The students from DePauw University were Laura Stevens, Melinda Voss, Taya Malone, and Alexandra Wyatt during fall 2004, and Kala Pattar, Kathy Frees, Suzanne Donoval during spring 2006.

The field trips were called "Outdoor Explorers" and "Survivor". The students from DePauw developed the curriculum for the field trips. They hosted the 6th graders for a day at the Nature Park.

On April 24, 2009 Staci Stoffregen of GMS coordinated a visit by all 6th grade classes during "Earth Week" and specifically "National Arbor Day". The students assisted Park Ranger Brien Holsapple and members of DePauw's Environmental Club with planting more than 60 White Pine trees on the hillside north of the Amphitheater. The students also toured the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics. Park Director Doug Cox explained the environmentally friendly concepts and examples of "LEED" construction, and certification by the United States Green Building Council.

Students from Greencastle Middle School looking at
cross-sections of trees during the “Outdoor Explorers” activities