Tri-County fourth graders explore Ice Age Trail

The Tri-County fourth graders recently explored the Ice Age National Scenic Trail as part of the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Saunters Think Outside project.

One of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, the Ice Age Trail is a thousand-mile footpath that highlights unique glacial landscape features as it travels through some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas. These glacial remnants are now considered among the world’s finest examples of how continental glaciation sculpts our planet.

In conjunction with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, a member and volunteer non-profit organization with a mission to create, support and protect the Ice Age Trail, students, teachers and chaperons hiked on the Ice Age Trail for two and a half miles at Hartman’s Creek State Park. The 4th graders got to experience hands-on knowledge in one of nature’s most fascinating learning environments, while stretching their legs and minds as the classroom headed outside.

The Saunters Think Outside project was made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support of partners including Union Pacific Railroad and donors across the country.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Saunters program aims to honor Henry David Thoreau’s statement, “It’s a great art to saunter,” while infusing core educational concepts into trips on the Ice Age Trail. The program is a collaboration of the Alliance, school districts, and community groups dedicated to taking youth on hikes. For more information, visit www.iceagetrail.org and click on our work, youth and education.

Photo: Tri-County 4th graders hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail included: Hector Mejia, Isaiah Kelley, Mia Flyte, Hallie Lucht, Aria Wallner, Montse Paredes-Landeros, Calvin Boyd, Serenity Houk, Aaliyah Fear, Carsten Roby, Valentin Banda, Jaxten Selke, Adeline Fischer, Diego Landeros, Jackie Franks, Ashlyn Eastling, Evelyn Goldsworthy, Kegan Murray, Kimberlee Ziaya, Aleeyah Caldwell, Nathan Peck, Rylan Schwartzman, Cameren Lehoullier, Nate Glaman, Ava Beggs, Nathan Fink, Nolan Meddaugh, Logan Westover, Emiliano Luna, Khloe Zdroik, Ace Farago, Lorelai Ganzel, Aubrey Calderon, Athena Dedei, Wyatt Czlapinski, Silas Meronk, Sonny Kreger, Evra Clark, Chevelle Petrusky, Dalton Saack, Quin Kotolski, and Jaryck Morgan.