Welcoming Spring- A Time of Drought and Abundance

At Brompton, April unfurls fast and furious. Students are working to complete units of study, while the school calendar fills with outdoor experiences, performances, celebrations, and community gatherings. For the Nature Connection Program, the month was packed with fascinating learning opportunities, including our first Eco-Schools Celebration event. Nearly every week offered a new way for students, families, and community members to engage with the natural world.

As I look back on the month, however, I find myself thinking less about the events themselves and more about the relationships that continue to grow from them.

When we began our Schoolyard Habitat project, the garden site was little more than a patch of compacted clay and rock. There were no pollinators to count, no vegetables to harvest, and few signs of what the space might one day become. Since then, students, teachers, families, and community partners have shown up again and again—planting, watering, building, observing, learning, and caring for a place together.

Nature has a way of humbling our plans. Some projects have flourished. Others have struggled. Storms arrived, weeds thrived, and more than a few lessons had to be adapted along the way. Yet through it all, students have been learning something deeper than gardening or ecology. Throught the National Wildlife Federation's Eco Schools Program, students and staff have been learning patience, stewardship, and what it means to participate in a community that extends beyond ourselves.

The stories in this month's newsletter capture a few moments from that ongoing journey. Some are small. Some are celebratory. All are reminders that meaningful change—whether in a habitat or in ourselves—happens gradually, through many small acts of care.

Nature Intensive Class- Blue Ridge Wildlife Rescue Center

Nature Intensive Class- Blandy Experimental Farm

Our morning trip to BRWC was followed by a remarkable visit to UVa's nearby Blandy Experimental Farm for lunch and an afternoon of outdoor exploration. Blandy is a 700-acre field station and home to the Orland E. White Arboretum. The property is expansive, as you can see from the photos, featuring a Virginia Native Plant Trail and many other simple but captivating offerings.

Many of our field experiences emphasize ecological studies, observation, and interdependence, as did the morning's excursion. Blandy, on the other hand, was intentionally relaxed. It was the final Friday off-campus outing I would share with this special group of students, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy being together outdoors. The wide-open spaces invited the students to run ahead, explore, and soak in their surroundings.

This is the kind of place that delights the senses, and I could easily be talked into a return visit any day of the week. My phone battery died during our visit. Although I'm disappointed that I can't share photographs of all the beautiful things we encountered, I think it may have been for the best. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can vividly picture myself there.  

As educators, we often focus on the lessons students learn during a field trip. Looking back, I suspect the greatest gift of the afternoon was simply the opportunity to wander, notice deeply, and enjoy a beautiful place together after a memorable year of Friday adventures.

If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor destination, grab your family and see it for yourself. Admission is free, and the grounds are open to the public.

Nature Connection Class- Crows Nest Research Center

Our seventh and eighth grade students had the plesure of spending the day with Master Naturalisst, Amy Settle, at Crow's Nest Research Center.  Amy is the President-Elect of the Virginia Bluebird Society and an all-around amazing womon.  She spent the morning with us, teaching our students about bluebirds and showing us how she regularly monitors nests, such as those found at CNRC.

Our participation in the National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools program encouraged us to host a community-wide event this spring. Rather than creating something entirely new, we chose to celebrate the gifts that nature has already so generously provided to our school community.

Brompton is uniquely situated on more than twenty acres protected by a conservation easement and bordered by additional conserved lands stewarded by Downtown Greens and the Fredericksburg Military Park. Together, these protected spaces create a remarkable corridor of habitat, beauty, and opportunity.

There's no getting around it—our campus is beautiful.

As with so many things in nature, that beauty is not the result of our own accomplishments. Rather, it exists because generations of people made the choice to preserve this land, and because our school continues to value the gifts it offers. The woods, wetlands, fields, and wildlife are here whether we notice them or not. Our role is simply to pay attention, care for them, and invite others to do the same.

With that spirit in mind, we opened our campus to the community. Visitors were invited to celebrate through action—caring for trails, tending the garden, and supporting habitat projects; through learning—from naturalists, artists, educators, and community partners; and through awareness—slowing down to notice the beauty around them through woodland walks, art, fire circle, birding, yoga, and quiet reflection.

The day was offered free of charge. Families packed picnic lunches, wandered where curiosity led them, and participated in whatever felt meaningful. In many ways, the event was simply a reflection of what Brompton strives to do throughout the year: create opportunities for people to build relationships with natural world.

It was not a grand event. It was something better—a community gathering to celebrate a place we love and the many gifts it continues to offer. A lovely day, indeed.

Looking back on the day, I find myself thinking less about the projects that were completed and more about the people who chose to be there.

Family, friends and community members carved out time from already full lives to share their gifts with students. In a culture that constantly reminds us how busy we are, time may be one of the most generous offerings a person can make.

Some volunteers shared expertise acquired over a lifetime. Others carried tools, spread mulch, led hikes, taught lessons, played music, created art, or simply sat beside a child and listened. No two contributions looked exactly alike, yet each one mattered.

The natural world thrives because of diversity, as do communities. Every person arrived with different talents, interests, and experiences, but together they created something none of us could have accomplished alone.  People showed up with open hands and willing hearts. 

Arachnids and Insects:  featuring Ms. Maricar and Andi Chitty

Middle School Science teacher Ms. Maricar and local author Andi Chitty teamed up to offer a wonderful learning station focused the importance of arachnids and insects within the ecosystem. Students had the opportunity to observe, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of some of the smallest—but most critical—creatures that share our world.

One of the quieter triumphs of the day happened alongside the station itself. Several of our eighth graders volunteered to assist Ms. Maricar as she worked with the younger students. They were genuinely helpful, patient, and eager to share what they knew.

Watching older students step naturally into the role of mentor is always a joy. Their willingness to help reflected not only their own interest in the natural world, but also the respect and appreciation they have for their teacher. Knowledge grows when it is shared, and these students did a wonderful job passing their enthusiasm along to the next generation of nature enthusiasts.

A Sense of Place: Featuring Artists Will Dickinson and Leland Burke

Our seventh and eighth-grade Art Intensive students were given an incredible opportunity during the Nature Connection Celebration. Local potter Will Dickinson took the time to gather clay from Brompton’s campus and carefully refine it for use in a hands-on art experience. Students learned about the characteristics of the soil he selected, the qualities potters look for when harvesting clay, and the process of transforming a natural material into a work of art.

This unique learning experience blended soil science, art, and place-based education. Guided by Will and assisted by Brompton art teacher Leland Burke, students used clay sourced directly from our campus to create personal totems. Working with the earth beneath their feet gave students a tangible connection to the land and encouraged them to view the landscape through both scientific and artistic lenses.

Hands-On Erosion Demonstration Featuring Engineer and Master Naturalist Dawn Hopp

At the Erosion Demonstration, students participated in a series of hands-on experiments designed to help them understand the critical role that plants play in protecting soil and maintaining healthy watersheds. Using different soil types, water flow models, and rooted plants, students observed firsthand how vegetation affects erosion, water infiltration, and runoff.

The location of this learning station was intentional. It was situated near an area of Brompton’s campus that experiences significant erosion due to the loss of plant cover on a hillside leading down to a stream. While the erosion is not caused by any one individual, years of foot traffic and play in the area have contributed to the problem. Rather than viewing this as a source of blame, we wanted students to see it as an opportunity for learning and stewardship.

Through Dawn’s demonstrations, students were able to witness the dramatic difference that plant roots make in holding soil in place and slowing the movement of water across the landscape. These observations helped students connect scientific concepts to a real challenge on their own campus. By understanding the causes and consequences of erosion, students can begin to see themselves as part of the solution.

One of the goals of the Nature Connection Celebration was to inspire students to take ownership of the environmental challenges they encounter. We hope that this experience will encourage future Eco-Schools Action Teams to investigate the erosion issue further and develop habitat-based solutions that improve water quality, protect soil, and strengthen the health of our campus ecosystem. In this way, the demonstration served not only as a science lesson, but also as an invitation to stewardship and meaningful action.

The demonstration helped students better understand that composting is about more than reducing waste—it is about participating in a natural cycle of renewal. By returning nutrients to the soil, we can support healthier plants, stronger ecosystems, and more productive gardens.

Amber is enthusiastically planning to expand our vermicomposting efforts next year. Our goal is to establish a larger-scale worm composting system that will contribute to the biodiversity and health of our Schoolyard Habitat while providing students with additional opportunities for hands-on learning. We also hope to sell surplus worm castings at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market, creating a student-supported sustainability project that helps fund future habitat improvements and environmental education initiatives.

Story Time Under the Walnut Tree: Featuring Local Artist Lawton Clites

Local artist Lawton Clites generously stopped by during his lunch break to spend time with our kindergarten students. Gathered beneath the shade of Brompton’s magnificent 200-year-old walnut tree, students enjoyed a picnic and a story shared by one of our community’s creative talents.

Lawton chose to read one of his three-year-old daughter’s favorite books, Poo Done It? Much to the delight of the kindergarteners, the story uses humor to introduce children to the fascinating world of animal scat and the clues it provides about wildlife. The book struck the perfect balance between education and comedy, keeping students engaged, laughing, and eager to participate.

The experience served as a wonderful reminder that nature education can take many forms. Whether through scientific investigation, artistic expression, storytelling, or simple observation, children are naturally curious about the world around them. Sharing stories beneath the branches of one of Brompton’s oldest trees created a memorable moment of connection—between students, community members, and the natural world.

We are grateful to Lawton for taking time out of his day to join us and share both his enthusiasm and his sense of humor. His visit added another layer of joy to a celebration filled with learning, laughter, and community spirit.

Community Gifts Abound

As I look back on our Nature Connection Celebration, one of my few regrets is that I do not have photographs of every demonstration, activity, and act of generosity that took place throughout the day. I was so immersed in the experience that I often forgot to stop and document what was happening around me.

While many of the volunteers and learning stations were featured in our blog, countless others contributed in ways both large and small. Some shared their expertise, some offered supplies and materials, some helped with setup and logistics, and others simply showed up with a willingness to serve. Together, their encouragement, enthusiasm, and generosity created an atmosphere of genuine community.

I am especially grateful for the teachers who embraced the vision of the day and were willing to step outside of their routines to try something new. Their spirit of compassion, curiosity, flexibility, and adventure helped make the celebration a success. They encouraged students to explore, ask questions, take risks, and connect more deeply with the natural world.

What stands out most in my memory is the sense that people came together around a shared purpose. Students, families, teachers, volunteers, and community members each brought their unique gifts and talents, creating something far greater than any one person could have accomplished alone.

We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by mentors, educators, families, and friends who are willing to invest their time and energy in something larger than themselves. Their contributions remind us that meaningful environmental stewardship is ultimately rooted in relationships—relationships with one another, with our community, and with the natural world that sustains us all.

Throughout the preparation process, students practiced explaining ecological concepts, asking thoughtful questions, and demonstrating how to safely and respectfully observe living organisms. Particular emphasis was placed on the proper handling of aquatic creatures and the importance of treating all living beings with care and respect.

This peer-teaching experience reflects one of the core goals of the Nature Connection Program: empowering students to become active participants in their own learning and stewards of the natural world. By teaching younger students about stream ecology, the fifth graders deepened their own understanding while helping to foster curiosity and appreciation for nature in the next generation of learners.

We are excited to see these young naturalists share their knowledge, enthusiasm, and leadership skills during the celebration. Their willingness to teach others is a wonderful example of learning in action.