Kindergarten students at Woodside Elementary School in Sussex received a visit from Retzer Nature Center volunteers on October 9 to learn about changes that take place in the seasonal transition from summer to autumn. Students and volunteers explored the outdoor learning space behind their school building called the Timberwolf Trail.
“Students enjoy gathering different materials in nature and discussing what they are and how they are used,” explains Woodside Kindergarten Teacher Peter Dargatz. “We have had a collaboration with Retzer now for almost a decade. They visit us throughout the school year. We also work with them virtually, where we share videos and questions with one of their teaching naturalists throughout the year based on things we wonder about in our everyday nature excursions,” adds Dargatz.
“Retzer Nature Center loves their relationship with Woodside,” exclaims Janet Barthel from Retzer Nature Center. “Our main objective is education…connect, explore and engage with nature! We are always excited to work with students and help them to make those connections. The beauty of working with Woodside is that we get to visit them multiple times, so we can continue to build on their observational skills and establish sweet relationships with the staff and the students!”