Nature Connection News: August
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Welcome to BCS Nature Connection!
Here you’ll find updates, stories, and plenty of photos that capture the daily discoveries and outdoor experiences of our students. We’re so glad you’re here—and we hope that sharing these moments with our students inspires you to engage in your own meaningful Nature Connection!
Tuesday, August 26th
Taking a break from core classes, students turn to nature exploration as a way to unwind and reset. The forest offers space to regulate their bodies and refocus their senses. At BCS, we prioritize giving students opportunities to climb trees, build forts, and investigate the natural world around them. Core classes are essential to learning, but we also strive for balance—providing developmentally appropriate activities that keep kids moving, problem-solving, and fully engaged throughout the day.
Second graders serving as older play buddies for our Kindergarteners today during lunch.
The fifth-grade class rolled up their sleeves to clear invasive Japanese Stilt Grass, making space for the baby ducks arriving today. It was a large area, but they worked hard at hand-weeding before the relentlessly spreading plant could set seed. This group especially enjoys outdoor physical chores over traditional recess games, and we’re fortunate that they’re eager to pour their energy into activities that benefit our school community.
If you’d like to learn more about Stilt Grass—including general information and tips for eradication—check out this blog.
August 25th- Elementary Exploration
Nature Connection educators, Ms. Karen and Ms. Kathy, were fortunate to spend time in the woods with some of our younger students today. This weekly program is designed to introduce children to the forest in a personal and meaningful way. Together, we learn to walk gently through the woods, where creatures of all sizes live and thrive. With curious minds, we ask questions about what we see, touch, smell, and hear—and we wonder about the many beings that call our forest home.
Today, our third graders were treated to something truly special: two Barred Owls calling back and forth to each other. The woods grew quiet as the students listened, completely transfixed by the moment.
Making a fire for the insect friends
So gentle with their new friend.
A master craftsman.
Learning to identify a Beech Tree by the smooth texture of her bark.
August 22nd- Friday Nature Studies
This week, students across all grade levels stepped into the woods for a variety of reasons—hikes, nature studies, and even traditional core lessons in an outdoor setting. Sometimes the purpose was to learn something specific about the natural world, sometimes to benefit physically from being outdoors, and sometimes simply to experience it—pausing to notice, listen, and take it all in.
Nature Journaling Class
Our sixth and eighth graders also began learning the practice of Nature Journaling with Ms. Leland. This process does not always come easily. Quieting the mind and focusing attention takes time and practice, but it is also deeply rewarding.
In their highly regarded book How to Teach Nature Journaling, naturalists John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren highlight several important reasons why this practice matters for students:
To slow down, pay attention, and experience awe and wonder
To develop creativity and critical thinking skills
To nurture a student’s identity as a scientist through authentic practices
To foster connection with nature
To build an inclusive culture of curiosity in the classroom (and at home)
To support interdisciplinary learning
Ollie's journal- impressive art and detailed observation
There are many ways to approach Nature Journaling, but one simple framework of observation, questioning, and connection can help get you started. Contemplate the following, and write about your thoughts:
I notice…
I wonder…
It reminds me of…
These simple prompts guide students (and adults!) into deeper attention, reflection, and connection.
We encourage you to try it at home. Take a walk with your student, carry a notebook, and see what unfolds when you pause to observe together. You may be surprised by how this practice slows you down, sharpens your focus, and awakens a sense of wonder.
Nature Intensive Class
This year, twelve seventh and eighth grade students were selected to participate in our first Nature Intensive Class—a weekly, full-day experience designed to foster meaningful interactions with the natural world.
During the first two weeks, students will remain on campus as they develop a strong sense of place. They’ll spend time getting to know the land more intimately, exploring the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make up our school grounds. This grounding work will prepare them for future adventures beyond campus, where they’ll continue to deepen their knowledge and connection with nature. You can check out our photo journal on THIS page of the website to learn more about this week's experience.
August 21st- Decomposer Discovery
Wearing a Sycamore hat, as one does.
Our sixth and seventh grade students launched their first Nature Connection class on the very first day of school. We spent two hours together beginning our year-long journey of exploring, observing, and deepening our relationship with the natural world.
We kicked things off with a discussion about the critical role of soil—and our responsibility to care for it. Students then examined soil from different areas of campus, using four of their five senses (taste was not recommended!) to make careful observations. This simple but meaningful exercise will serve as the foundation for our ongoing study of soil health throughout the year.
The second half of class was spent hiking campus trails and learning the trails to some of our new Outdoor Learning Spaces. Students practiced creating “mind maps” of forested areas, noting natural and human-made landmarks, sensory details, and their sense of place within the larger landscape.
Along the way, students were introduced to some of the oldest and grandest trees on our property—many of them well over 100 years old. The towering Tulip Poplars made an impression, as did our beautiful Sycamores, which are currently shedding their bark. When asked to share observations, one student pointed out that Sycamores are often found near water sources or wetlands. (You can explore a list of Virginia native trees that thrive in wet soils HERE.)
Our walk back to campus offered a nearly perfect follow-up to our soil discussion—and a natural segue into our next class. We came across the decaying carcass of a young opossum. As our students know, decomposition plays a critical role in creating the nutrients that enrich our soil.
What caught their attention first, though, was not the opossum itself but the remarkable activity surrounding it. The carcass was covered with Carrion Beetles, and a few Burying Beetles could be seen at work beneath it. Students were captivated by these insects, witnessing firsthand how they contribute to the cycle of life by breaking down organic matter. Check out THIS helpful website to learn about beetle identification and THIS website to learn about beetles in general and THIS website to learn specifically about Carrion Beetles
This unexpected discovery provided the perfect setup for our upcoming Nature Intensive class on Friday. It will be fascinating to see what remains of the opossum after the beetles and their “clean-up crew” have finished their important work.
Not as cute as the first pic... but super interesting.
August 18th- Generosity and Gratitude
A brand-new Outdoor Learning Space is coming together, thanks to the PTO’s fundraising efforts, our generous community, dedicated parents, and enthusiastic staff!
Today, an efficient construction crew cleared the foundation for a 12’ x 24’ cement pad. Soon, with the support of our donors, a pergola will be added to the pad—creating a welcoming space where students can learn, gather, and connect with nature.
This project marks an exciting step in revitalizing a little-used area near the parking lot. Gradually, we aim to transform this space into a vibrant outdoor classroom and a hub for meaningful nature connection.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed time, energy, and resources—through conversations, planning, and hands-on work—to make this vision a reality. I can’t wait to share more updates as progress continues!
August (Before students return)- Small and Slow Solutions
Audrey and Indiana showed up bright and early on a Saturday morning ready to get things done! I am beyond grateful for these two and the joy they brought with them. Indy, who will be starting kindergarten at Brompton this year, came fully equipped with his own garden gloves—and this Lil’ Dude meant business! Clearly, this was not his first garden rodeo.
Together, this mighty team tackled the last of the old raised beds, pulling out stubborn crabgrass and rocks like pros. Audrey, with her plant know-how, carefully rescued native Rudbeckia and Coreopsis so they could set seed for next year. So much care, strength, and good energy in one morning!
This year, I’m hoping to connect with even more Garden Enthusiasts in our Brompton community. If you're someone who finds peace in digging in the dirt, loves sharing seedlings, or just enjoys watching pollinators do their thing—I'd love to meet you.
Maybe you only have five minutes at drop-off to water the tomatoes. Maybe you’d like to share a native plant, a bag of soil, or spare a little time to tame some weeds. Whether you love chatting while you mulch or prefer the quiet solitude of garden work, you are welcome here. Check out the list below or drop me a note at kathy@bromptonschool.org if you would like to help. Our students will directly benefit from your enthusiasm and generosity.
Lastly, we are making a point of recycling and repurposing materials for our garden, whenever possible. If you have something that might make an interesting addition to our space, or an item that is no longer needed at your home (scrap wood, used woven wire fencing, garden cart, etc) please reach out!
Tomatoes and Eggplant surviving a midsummer transplant!
Opportunities to contribute: Small and Slow Solutions
Donate your time to help manage the weeds- a little each day yields great results.
Water a few plants
Share Native plants, non-invasive herbs, and veggies
Drop off a bag of compost or mulch (literally one bag at a time will make a difference).
Help design garden tags and stick trellises
Repair/build garden beds. We're only adding a few at a time, no more than we can care for; gradually expanding the plan.
Delivery of composted manure and/ or compost
Gift cards; financial contributions
Purchase of native flower plug trays and trees
Exploring Permaculture Principles
Our Nature Connection Program uses the Garden Classroom as a space for active, hands-on learning through intentional interaction with living things. In my teaching, I’ve found The School Garden Curriculum by Kaci Rae Christopher to be an invaluable resource. Her lessons are both adaptable and grounded in a deeper philosophy—Permaculture Principles—which are based on the foundational concepts of Care for Self, Care for Others, and Care for the Land. Kaci Rae describes the primary goals of a permaculture garden below:
Observe and Interact
Obtain a Yield
Apply Self-regulation and Accept Feedback
Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services
Design from Patterns to Details
Integrate Rather Than Segregate
Use Small and Slow Solutions
Use and Value Diversity
These principles go hand in hand with the goals we’ve set for our Nature Connection Program. Some are easier to put into practice than others (anyone else squirm a bit when reading Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback?), but comfort and familiarity aren't the values we hold most dear. In fact, growth often begins just beyond our comfort zones. It's in that slightly uncomfortable space—where challenge meets curiosity—that the most meaningful learning takes root.
A Lesson in Determination
Tromboncino Squash Seedlings in early June
Tromboncino Squash plants in early July
Our Garden Classroom is designed to model a thriving ecosystem—one full of diversity, alive with the natural cycles of growth, decay, and renewal. At first glance, it might seem we’ve got a long way to go before we can celebrate abundance. And yet, the garden ecosystem is already flourishing, without our help.
In early July, Nature put on a spectacular show, offering swaths of blackberries for students and teachers to discover. Even now, native wildflowers paint the forest’s edge and dance across the field in bright celebration. It’s a reminder to slow down and notice the treasures right in front of us. In truth, many of the garden’s lessons are a little wild and weedy. Sometimes, our greatest responsibility as gardeners is simply to step back and marvel at how gloriously the plants thrive without us.
Lately, I find myself caught in a quiet kind of reverie—an appreciation for the undervalued magic of seeds. By all accounts, July is not an easy month to coax seeds into greeting the world, and yet… they've found a way to persevere. They arrive, quietly determined to thrive. The Tromboncino squash we planted in June has come a long way, its young tendrils stretching eagerly toward the trellis bars. Who knows whether they’ll survive late-summer grasshoppers or the hungry herds of deer? Either way, they offer us a timely lesson in persistence: one day at a time, keep moving forward.
Teachers, students, and parents may find themselves feeling a bit ragged this time of year—painfully readjusting to the rhythm of early mornings, packing backpacks, hunting for matching socks, dashing from work to Orientation, last-minute shoe shopping, and supply runs. Will we survive the press to Labor Day?
Come visit our humble garden, friends. Pour a little water on our thirsty seedlings and remember: growth happens one day at a time. Determination is a powerful force—it stretches outward and upward, into the unknown. As we emerge from our summer worlds, let us care for one another and encourage each other to look closely at Nature’s gifts—with fresh eyes, deep curiosity, and hearts full of wonder. There is so much to learn.
We can't wait to see you in August!
Let's dig in!
This August, the students and I began restoring the old garden beds as part of our growing nature connection program. The work hasn’t been easy—high temperatures, poor soil quality, and a lack of on-site water made for a challenging start. But the site has real potential: it gets full sun, sits on level ground, and is the first thing families see when they arrive on campus. We’re excited to turn it into a thriving, welcoming space for learning, growing, and gathering.
The heat has been unbearable some days, and it seems unlikely that new plants will survive the weather or the animals of the forest. However, there are many lessons to be learned from a garden ecosystem. Hope is the first theme that we will explore within this Outdoor Classroom.... and perhaps the virtues of sweat equity.
The ground has cracked the neck of the hoe!
Bringing out the big dog.
Arya sizing up her work. She made great progress in one morning!
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