Nature Intensive Program: September
Nature Intensive Program: September
Embedded Files
A Welcome to Fall
Even though it hasn’t quite felt like fall yet, we’re beginning to notice subtle shifts in the natural world. Mornings are darker, evenings arrive sooner, birds are migrating, and plants are turning to seed. Leaves are starting to blanket the forest pathways, and the colors of the season are growing richer and more vibrant.
I’m looking forward to the cool weather that October will bring, but I’ve cherished the beauty that September offered during our Nature Intensive adventures. We hope you enjoy these photos as much as we enjoyed the experiences they capture.
Follow us on our adventures using the Nature Connection calendar or by using this slide deck to track upcoming field studies
9.26.2025
9.26.2025
CLIFTON INSTITUTE
Post -trip photo journal, Friday, September 26th
The perfect outdoor classroom to meet our wonderful professors- Bridget and Cheyenne.
Clifton Institute is a 900 acre campus dedicated to conservation, education, and research. We were fortunate to hold our lessons under the second largest Maple Tree in Virginia!
Bridget talks about the different Orders of insects and explains the students' roles as authentic citizen scientists. They will be working in teams to collect data- each with a specific role to ensure efficient collaboration.
Before heading into the field, Bridget led the students through an excellent lesson on how to use a dichotomous key. To practice, students were given “pretend bugs” to identify, moving through each station and applying what they learned.
This short exercise built their confidence and reinforced the key message of the day: the information they collected would become part of a larger dataset to be analyzed by the scientists at Clifton.
Starting out, Bridget models curiosity and an inquisitive mind.
Students begin to train their eye- look closer....
When we arrive at our first data collection site, a huge hillside meadow, students are given supplies to collect samples and record data.
In small groups of three or four, students worked alongside Clifton volunteers to learn how to collect insects using a sweep net and then transfer their samples onto a white sheet for closer observation.
While some team members compared their finds to a key, sorting insects into orders for identification, others scanned the field for easily recognizable species to add to the count. Students also used clear bug boxes to magnify individual insects, revealing fascinating details about their morphology that are often missed with the naked eye. And of course—there’s no denying that insects just look extra cool up close!
For middle school students, slowing down and paying close attention to detail—without rushing—can be a real challenge. Yet in the field, they discovered that this skill is essential. By learning to focus, notice small differences and similarities, and take their time, students were able to uncover patterns and begin developing their own theories.
They also explored the concept of human bias in fieldwork. It’s important to step back and consider how personal perspectives or habits can influence the way data is collected and interpreted. One student realized that their bug counts may have increased as the day went on—not because there were more insects, but because they had become better at noticing those that were initially overlooked.
Students hike back to the picnic tables for lunch after completing data on their first observation.
After lunch, students headed out to a different site on the other side of the pond to gather data for comparison.
The little peach house looks beautiful in the distance.
Trumpeter swans with ducklings
One of our students remarked that she would like to return to Clifton to practice painting.
A natural at swinging the net- I think he's had some practice.
This test field was inundated with invasive species, although there were many native plants pushing back and providing pollen for the insects.
A gorgeous, and huge, spider monitors her web.
Analyzing insects at the second site and making mental notes about the physical differences of the two meadows.
The native flowers were full of insects to study.
Nevin checks out his photo of a rare bird- Tennessee Warbler!
Bringing It All Together
After collecting data from the second site, Bridget guided students in tallying their results and creating graphs in their science notebooks. Wrapping up the day with a visual representation of their findings highlighted the importance of sharing scientific information in multiple formats, making it easier for different audiences to interpret and understand. For many students, seeing their data in graph form made the patterns click.
Before closing, Bridget collected the data sheets and reminded students that a sheet with missing or unclear information would be considered invalid. She emphasized the weight of their work, noting that the database they contributed to will hold their findings long past her own lifetime.
As always, I cherished our time at the Clifton Institute, and I know we’re all looking forward to the next opportunity to learn what it truly means to be a scientist alongside a staff of brilliant teachers and helpful volunteers.
Coming Up Next Week:
Friday, October 3rd- No School (Teacher Conferences); Garden Workday (students are welcome to volunteer)
Friday, October 10th- Alum Springs Park: Water Testing and Stream Analysis
9.19.2025
9.19.2025
CROW'S NEST RESEARCH CENTER
Post -trip photo journal, Friday, September 19th
Last Friday flew by as we wrapped up our Birds of Prey study with a live bird program from Earthquest! In preparation, Ms. Mimi helped students set up a Scientific Notebook to use throughout the year, sharpening their observational, questioning, and critical thinking skills.
Afterward, students played a fun game exploring the serious topic of habitat loss and its impact on migration and the ecosystem. Wrapping up this high-energy session, many questions arose:
How difficult is it for the “prey” to make it home safely as their resting spots disappear?
With fewer “prey” available, how challenging is it for predators to find a meal?
How does this impact migrating Birds of Prey?
We are grateful that nonprofits like CNRC work hard to preserve habitat, evidenced by the chatter of Bald Eagles resting in the Oak Trees behind our work station, later that day!
A beautiful Eurasian Eagle Owl
Not long after discussing the power of an owl’s talons, the bird adjusted its stance, moving just past the end of the assistant handler’s glove. While he wasn’t acting aggressively, simply holding on, the young handler sustained a nasty gash that required a bit of first aid.
We have a new found respect for Turkey Vultures- their sense of smell is quite the super power.
A Harris' Hawk: Robert explained that this hawk is much like the Red-Tailed Hawks that are found in our area. We learned that these remarkable birds have a grip strength of up to 200 pounds per square inch.
Robert gave a gorgeous Green Macaw a much-appreciated scratch on her head. She is one of many rescued parrots cared for at Earthquest. Robert explained that the red lines on a parrot’s face form a unique pattern—like human fingerprints, no two are alike. He also shared that although parrots are meant to live in the wild, more parrots are rehomed as pets than dogs and cats combined. With the intelligence of a five-year-old and lifespans of over 90 years, these birds require extraordinary commitment. I’m grateful for the compassion exemplified by Robert and Elizabeth.
What an amazing place to learn! We are so fortunate to benefit from the generosity of people like Sophie Lynn, who founded CNRC. She is passionate about sharing this special place with anyone who loves conservation, education, and research.
Sophie introduced the students to the duck blind and challenged them with a real-world design problem: each high tide leaves the structure partially submerged. Could they come up with a solution that serves multiple purposes?
Coming up Next Week
Pre-Visit Preparation for Students
Next week, we’ll head off campus to Warrenton for a visit to the 900-acre field station known as the Clifton Institute. Their mission aligns beautifully with Brompton’s values, and their education program is among the best anywhere. We’ll be meeting with Bridget to learn about insects and the critical—yet often undervalued—role they play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
In preparation for our trip, please watch this YouTube video which introduces the Clifton Institute and provides a basic overview of what we’ll be learning while there. After watching, be ready to answer the following questions:
What surprised you?
What are you looking forward to?
What are you nervous about or not looking forward to?
What are you still unsure about and want more information on?
Parent Letter from Clifton Institute
GENERAL SCHEDULE
As always, our day will be spent outdoors (rain or shine), so please dress appropriately for cooler weather and changing conditions. We will need to depart as soon as possible (between 8:20 and 8:30 to make it to Clifton on time for programming). Below is the projected timeline for our day:
9:30: Arrive/Intros/Snack
10:00: Bug ID Practice
10:45: Catch bugs in Habitat 1
11:15: Catch bugs in Habitat 2
12:00: Lunch and hang out at Peach House
12:30: Buggy reflection activity
1:15: Wrap up and clean up
1:30: Depart
Deeper Learning
Want to learn more about insects? Check out these short, helpful YouTube videos for a quick lesson, and take a look at the infographic provided by the Clifton Institute. Understanding insects and why their decline matters is critical to restoring balance in the natural world. Lastly, the Institute has provided a super helpful dichotomous key that we'll use to help us identify the insects that we find.
Observation and Critical Thinking
9.12.2025
9.12.2025
CROW'S NEST RESEARCH CENTER
Post -trip photo journal, Friday, September 12th
Our second trip to CNRC kicked off our study of Birds of Prey! During this day of discovery, students explored and reflected on:
Taxonomy – What does it mean, and how do biologists use taxonomy to study different species?
Owl Adaptations – How are owls uniquely adapted as a species?
Anatomy of Owl Prey – By dissecting owl pellets, students studied the variations in skeletal structures of mice, rats, voles, moles, and even birds—all discovered through tiny bone remnants.
Native Wildflower Meadow – Students observed the abundance of pollinators thriving in a native meadow ecosystem.
It was a rich day of hands-on learning, sparking both curiosity and deeper understanding of the natural world.
In the morning, we gathered near the barns to study different methods of classification:
Morphology – body traits
Physiology – how the body works
Molecular – chemical traits in cells
Ecological – where and how animals live
Behavioral – what an organism does
Geographical – where an organism is found
This foundation will guide our discussion next week as we explore how Birds of Prey are classified and what their taxonomy reveals about their specialized adaptations.
Students practiced individual note-taking skills and "Turn-and-Talk" small group discussions to help retain new information
Native Meadow Walk
The Meadow at CNRC is well maintained and full of native plant species. We walked for about an hour, observing the abundance of pollinators. In some places the plants were head high- What a beautiful ecosystem!
As if on cue, a Bald Eagle and several vultures flew by, providing a perfect opportunity to contrast their flight style. Unfortunately, I was too busy gawking to record both birds.
Flight school
The field was awash in butterflies of all kinds.
Out of the sun, and into the forest.
Learning to ID common tree species, based on leaf structure (and smell).
Ms. Mimi teaches about a "Midden." Natures little trash piles give us clues to who was there before us.
M. is an excellent scout- quick to spot a large tuft of fur and an older scat sample. Predator- prey relationships keep the meadow in balance.
Investigating a curious hole filled with liquid—J’s stick poking revealed no secrets. A mystery saved for another day!
Animal signs abound. Asking good questions and making mental notes is a great way to learn in the field.
Once again, eagle eyes spot the smallest details. Looks like it was made by a human potter!
Ms. Mimi brings attention to adaptations that allowed this turtle to pull itself completely inside the shell.
This observation deck is an excellent place for a short rest. Now we gotta get back for lunch!
Owl Adaptations
After lunch, we turned our attention to the study of owls. Students began by making careful observations and thinking independently about how owls are equipped with the right tools for survival.
Ms. Mimi led several interactive activities that helped students explore the special features of these remarkable raptors. They discovered how unevenly placed ears and the unique shape of an owl’s facial disc allow them to detect the exact location of prey with incredible precision.
To demonstrate the effective adaptation of owl feathers, Mimi brought in two pieces of twine—one frayed and one smooth. Students whirled each around and compared the sounds. Which string do you think was silent, just like an owl in flight?
Zooming in close, N and A discover that the frayed feathers are the secret to soundless flight
Owl Pellet Dissection
Although some of our students had dissected owl pellets in the past, this time—now as older learners—they took a more deliberate approach. They carefully examined the shape of each bone with measured attention, setting us up for an excellent discussion on anatomy next week. Classifying the bones by species and function added a new layer of challenge, pushing their learning to the next level. Could you tell the difference between a mouse, mole, vole, and rat jaw bone? It's subtle, but notable.
Patience and teamwork reveal the stories inside
dissection explanation.movI love this sound bite that captures the girls' though process and patience when working with each other and the miniscule bones.
Ms. Mimi wrapped up the day with a review, and by 2:00 PM it was time to return to campus. What a fantastic day of learning! Next week, we’ll head back to CNRC to complete our Raptor study, tying together this week’s discoveries with the experience of meeting live birds of prey. In the meantime, check out this awesome post on Ospreys (below) from the Cornell Lab.
9.5.2025
9.5.2025
CROW'S NEST RESEARCH CENTER
Post -trip photo journal, Friday, September 5th:
The weather could not have been more perfect for our group’s first trip to CNRC! Tonya, from Friends of the Rappahannock, led the “We’re All Downstream” program, helping us explore the deep connections between our daily choices, our community, and local waterways.
Students discussed and reflected on:
Turbidity – How does it affect wetlands? What responsibilities do we have to prevent soil erosion from our homes and school?
Fertilizer Use – What happens when excess fertilizer enters our waterways?
Pesticides & Industry – What are the effects of pesticide runoff and how does using water to cool machinery in factories impact rivers?
Later, during our kayaking expedition, students observed the spread of Hydrilla, a highly invasive aquatic plant, along Accokeek Creek. Seeing its influence firsthand brought our conversation about ecological balance to life.
And we're off! So happy they allowed me to take one Mom-Style bus pic...
Ms. Tonya teaching about pollutants.
Students help to prepare the kayaks and learn about safety
Paddling through the Hydrilla was a grind
Hard work pays off! It's gorgeous in the open water.
As students paddled along Accokeek Creek, they spotted a variety of wetland birds and plants. The brilliant flash of Red-winged Blackbirds and the graceful flight of Great Blue Herons were especially striking. From our vantage point, we could see the Potomac River and learned that its waters are home to an incredible diversity of animals—including the invasive Northern Snakehead fish and, surprisingly, even Bull Sharks.
Ms. Tonya reminded us that the Potomac feeds directly into the Chesapeake Bay, which is the second largest estuary IN THE WORLD.
Lunch and relaxation after our outing. On her way out, Ms. Tonya spots this spectacular caterpillar and brings it back to show the group.
After lunch, we take a hike out to Green Heron Pond. Tracks abound at the water's edge.
Near the pond, students discovered a very large turtle shell. Sun-bleached and weathered, the shell struck them as beautiful, almost like pieces of pottery. One student wondered aloud, “What animal could have crunched these large shells? Even a coyote wouldn’t have jaws strong enough to crack them in half.”
As we made our way back to the Creek, the group came across three smaller Box Turtle shells and another large one, also shattered into pieces. They noticed large bird droppings, which had been present at both sites. The question arose: Could these turtles have been dropped from above?
Moments like this remind us how curiosity fuels deeper learning. Students will continue investigating this mystery during our next Nature Intensive class.
Until next time...
Coming Up
Our discovery of the smashed turtle shells provides the perfect segue into our upcoming unit of study. Next week, we’ll return to Crow’s Nest Research Center to begin exploring Raptors and Birds of Prey.
Be on the lookout for a “Trip Prep” email by Wednesday afternoon, along with a follow-up post on this page that will share more details about our upcoming learning adventure.
Map of Crow's Nest Research Center
FABULOUS FUNGI
This week, we hiked the woods in search of fungi. Throughout the day, the students kept records and used identification keys in order to:
Observe differences and similarities in structures of fungi.
Learn the function of mushrooms in spore dispersal.
Identify types of fungi and observe patterns of growth in fungi.
Discuss fungal roles in ecosystems and reflect on their roles as decomposers.
Sit Spot
Sit Spot
The woods at Brompton are especially vibrant this time of year—full of color and life. Our students are practicing the art of Sit Spot, a routine that strengthens sensory awareness and deepens their sense of place. This Friday, with nearly perfect weather and a peaceful stillness around us, we settled into our spots right away to soak it all in.
Discovery
Discovery
As they wandered slowly, students used a chart to record where they found different fungi, noting the structure of each specimen and other details to aid in identification. This particular beauty offered the perfect chance to bring out the hand lens for a closer look, and even the small microscope, allowing them to make remarkably detailed observations.
8.29.2025
8.29.2025
Tracking in the mud
Students are becoming skilled at noticing hard to spot Orb Weaver Webs as we hike.
At the end of the day, students gathered sticks and kindling to build a small fire. Some practiced using a striker and a bit of magnesium to spark the flame—an exercise that calls for both patience and skill.
Patience and perseverance paid off as sparks caught and the fire came to life. With the flames glowing, students settled in to listen to the story of Skywoman, shared through the words of Potawatomi author and scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults.
Wait- is that a flame?
Coming Up
Next week we’ll be traveling off campus to Crow’s Nest Research Center for the We Are All Downstream program, offered by Friends of the Rappahannock. I’ll share more details—including logistics and a packing list—before Tuesday, September 2nd.
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