Wiscasset Elementary School fourth-grade students recently enjoyed their first monthly field trip to Hidden Valley Nature Center. They worked with naturalist Cami Wilbert to learn more about the unique ecosystem of a kettle bog and how the different parts of a tree contribute to its survival.

The students were fascinated by the carnivorous plants in the kettle bog. Several dropped to their bellies to explore the plants as closely as they could. They noticed how trees in the bog did not grow as thick or tall as the trees in the woods. They then identified some berries that closely resembled blueberries as huckleberries.

Once the class reached the barn, they created their first nature journal entry about a leaf they picked up, noting as many details as they could. The students acted out the roles of different parts of a tree to connect how all parts work together for the tree's survival. After a fun recess of finding grasshoppers, each student walked down a trail to select a tree to adopt for the year.

The bright sun and warm temperatures were much appreciated.