Wentworth Watershed Association Board Member Kayla Hewitt accompanied a third-grade class from Carpenter Elementary School on a field trip into the Brewster Heath Preserve last week. The students had the chance to explore the educational resources within the Preserve, including an outdoor classroom and a series of interpretive trail signs that describe some of the wildlife, natural processes, and ecosystems that can be found in this area.
Kayla provided a written account of her experience with the class:
The trip was great! Today we experienced firsthand what the 3rd graders have been learning in their classrooms. The students observed & journaled various parts of life cycles. Mushrooms were an exciting find today! As were salamanders, one nicely camouflaged frog, tadpoles, etc. We looked for specific types of deciduous and coniferous trees, and identified them based on the leaves and bark. At the outdoor classroom space, we tested the water’s pH levels, and used a bucket size sample of water to look closely for tadpoles and other living things. Students each had tweezers, a hand lens, and a clipboard with their journaling pages & writing utensils. We spoke with students about the trail blazes, using the map, leaving no trace, and trail etiquette. I love playing in the woods! I’ll definitely be back there. What a lovely spot.
Photos provided with permission to publish by Kayla Hewitt.
The Brewster Heath Preserve blends recreation, education, and conservation as a resource for the whole community. It’s more than just a scenic area; it’s a hub where people of all ages can connect with nature in meaningful ways. School groups can visit the Brewster Heath Preserve for hands-on learning experiences, exploring the diverse ecosystems and gaining a deeper understanding of local wildlife, plant species, and environmental stewardship. These field trips offer students an opportunity to take lessons out of the classroom and into the natural world, fostering a sense of curiosity and responsibility for the environment.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Brewster Heath is also a great destination for hiking, with well-maintained trails where visitors can stop to read interpretive trail signs. Whether it’s a family out for a leisurely walk or experienced hikers seeking new paths, the trails offer an opportunity to not only enjoy the physical beauty of the environment but also to learn more about the natural world that surrounds them.
In addition to its role in recreation and education, the Brewster Heath Preserve is important to local conservation efforts. The land is protected to ensure that its varied systems and habitats are preserved, as well as the wildlife species that live in and rely on them.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, the conservation commission, and the community, this beautiful natural area remains open to the public.