News
On Friday, April 17th, members from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven explored Bethany Land Trust‘s Mendell’s Folly Nature Preserve during their Spring Break Camp. The field trip was made possible by a generous grant from the Claire C. Bennitt Watershed Fund, which enabled CLCC to provide transportation in order to reduce barriers that often prevent young people from accessing the beauty and educational potential of conserved lands.
The group consisted of 13 middle school students, all filled with curiosity and excitement. They were guided by an enthusiastic team that included Vanessa Daye from CLCC, Ade Ben-Salahuddin, an expert birder and graduate student at SCSU, along with dedicated members of the Bethany Land Trust—Bob Harrison, Christin Arnini, Carol, and Becky.
The group traversed a scenic 1.7-mile trail around the perimeter of a wetland pond, a habitat formed by the industrious activities of an active beaver colony. Upon discovering the pond, one student remarked in disbelief, “You’re telling me beavers caused all this water to be here? They cut down trees with their teeth and built that dam with sticks and mud? Seriously?” This genuine amazement highlighted the impact that such hands-on experiences can have on young minds.
The sight of the beavers’ handiwork, including the bite marks left on trees and the multiple lodges they constructed, left a lasting impression. The concept that a relatively small rodent could significantly reshape the landscape sparked fascination and further inquiries about the role of beavers in creating a thriving wetland ecosystem. The stunned expressions on the students’ faces were priceless, illustrating the power of nature to inspire awe and curiosity.
While the group hoped for a rare glimpse of the beavers themselves, the elusive creatures stayed hidden. However, the students were not left disappointed. Instead, they were treated to a vibrant display of life within the wetland habitat. Throughout their hike, they encountered a variety of spring ephemeral plants like trillium, alongside the sight and sounds of numerous birds.
The group utilized the eBird platform to document their findings, and they logged an impressive total of 15 bird species. Among the feathered highlights were several red-winged blackbirds, the majestic Canadian geese, agile mallard ducks, a soaring red-tailed hawk, and the more elusive Cooper’s hawk. Each sighting was met with excitement and awe as students learned about the different bird species’ roles within the ecosystem. By engaging directly with the environment, students could appreciate the delicate balance that sustains these ecosystems. Each frog croak, bird call, and whispering breeze reminded them of their relationship with nature and the importance of protecting such habitats.
As the hike came to a close, one student reflected on the experience, exclaiming, “I dreamed of this. I dreamed of seeing a wetland just like this one day and now I’m finally here. Wow.” This moment encapsulated the profound impact that experiential learning can have on young people. For many, this was not just a field trip; it was a chance to connect with the natural world in a way that is often limited by urban environments. Looking ahead, one can only hope that more such initiatives flourish, opening the doors to nature for new generations eager to explore, learn, and protect the wonders they discover.
