FALL: The 2023-2024 school year kicked off with an awesome trip to McLaughlin Reserve in October. We spent the morning collecting seeds of several native plant species. In the afternoon, we used these seeds to restore the soil bank of a pond that had been eroded. By reseeding the area we encourage restoration through the growth of native plants and stabilization of the surrounding soil. On Sunday, co-leader Becca Nelson led a poetry workshop that encouraged participants to reflect on our experience on the land. After enjoying good weather all day on Saturday, a steady rain appeared just in time to make our poetry session ultra cozy. The rainy day magic made everyone super brave sharing out their work, and we were blown away by our group’s inspiration and creativity. Some of the best poems came from participants who had never written poetry before. Experiences like these inspire us to work on a Hands on the Land anthology in coming years. 

WINTER: We had beautiful visits to McLaughlin Reserve and Stebbins Reserve. For our January trip to McLaughlin, we participated in clearing downed trees, and processing logs and branches to prepare for controlled burning. Enjoying s’mores around a fire was the perfect way to complete the day. In February, we went to Stebbins Reserve, where participants worked under the guidance of reserve managers to complete trail maintenance. 

SPRING: We had a wonderful time visiting Quail Ridge Reserve and helping with restoration through stabilizing an erosion gully and clearing roadways of fallen trees. After the day's work, participants enjoyed a refreshing dip at the local swimming hole and a delicious dinner cooked by our very talented Dylan Moore with the 360 views overlooking gorgeous Quail reserve. On Sunday, participants went on a herpetology walk, where you can momentarily flip over boards that provide habitat and shelter for different herps and animals. Like all of our trips, there was zero cost to participants and this trip in particular was sponsored by the Student Equity in Mental Health Programming Award. Our May outtake survey revealed the amazing impacts that our year-round trips have on participants’ including: an essential feeling of connection to a tangible community, feeling inspired by others’ shared passion for the environment, feeling a greater sense of purpose and connection to nature, and feeling more optimistic and motivated in general.