Our 1st-grade friends visited the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary in Emmaus and took a nature hike, got to meet local wildlife, and learn about Native American plant lore.

Our trip started with a very exciting bus ride, as the children have not been on a field trip for a very long time. They were so excited about this!

The first thing we did when we arrived at the Wildlands Conservancy included a live, native species wildlife presentation. This included making comparisons of how the land looks now compared to how it looked in the past when the Native Americans lived here. It also included historic usage and tips to make the world a safer and more welcoming place for the Native American people. The children were able to feel a deer pelt and a bear skin.

We then went on a plant lore hike covering food and medicinal use of native plants by Native Americans and Pioneers. They were also able to see and explore many small shelters and teepees along the way. 

After the hike, we created native wildflower seed bombs. The children were able to take them home in a medicine pouch in which Native Americans would have carried something precious to them. They were encouraged to plant the seed bombs in the spring to benefit our native pollinators that are especially challenged. 

Finally, we were able to meet and pet “Purple,” the turtle and learn about box turtles. We also met a beautiful red-tailed hawk and learned facts about this bird of prey, too.