Students from Keystone Elementary School recently joined Beth Clark of the Heritage Conservancy at Croydon Woods in Bristol as part of the school’s Nature Club program, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY. 

The elementary school partners with the Conservancy to give kids the opportunity to learn more about the natural world around them through the after-school program.  

“If we don’t get kids out there, they’re not going to care about it,” Clark said. “They’re going to grow up and not understand why nature is so important.” 

The 80-acre woods, protected by the Conservancy, are the perfect spot for students, with plenty of areas to explore. 

The club, led by Clark, meets every Tuesday during the fall for six weeks. 

The program began in 2023 and has been eagerly supported by the school’s educators, including Christine Schrack, who teaches English, math, and science and has incorporated the woods into her lessons.

“It’s really important to think about where this is used in the real world, or how we can apply concepts to the real world and connect it beyond the books,” Schrack said. “We might consider what profession does this in the real world, or where it applies to nature.” 

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help improve cognitive development, creativity, and independence, as well as social and emotional development.  

Read more about the Nature Club at Keystone Elementary School and how it benefits students on WHYY.  

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