Environmental Study

CIS nature trails consist of nine marked areas that serve as ‘education stations’ in the wooded areas of our 36-acre campus.

The Vernal Pool is an observation station for watching tadpoles, frogs, and dragonflies in tandem. During dry spells students observe butterflies licking the mud to supplement their need for salts. Nearby is an animal track pit, where students study animal tracks by tracing the tracks or making molds of them.

The Trees Station has several well-known and beautiful trees that have been labeled. Here, students can see what each tree looks like and then walk the trail to identify more and other related species.

Beyond the Bridge is a perfect example of the undesirable effects of non-native invasive species. Privet has taken over the area. Students are continually clearing the area to re-vegetate it with indigenous, naturally occurring species.

The Beach is a flattened, sandy area next to the creek. It is a perfect spot for stream studies applied to the Sciences, Reading and other subject areas.

A Second Stream is an intermittent stream showing a healthier streambed than Reedy Creek. This streambed makes it possible to study macro invertebrates during certain times of the year.

The Research Plots were created by a 9th grade class working with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. It is an experimental area investigating the effect of hand-pulling invasive plants as opposed to not eradicating them. Thus far, we have a lovely patch of wild ginger that has returned, and the Spice Bush is already thriving unburdened by the Japanese Honeysuckle growing all over it.

The Knoll is an area that has many different types of indigenous trees, leaf litter, undergrowth and a different microclimate compared to the rest of the wooded area. It allows for interesting comparative ecosystem studies in all grade levels. Math classes can benefit from the trees in learning how to record and graph data, use a Biltmore stick and make estimations.

The Tree Frog Pipes we have been working with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and placed pipes in this and other areas to attract tree frogs. Students love to shine their flashlights into the pipes with the anticipation of actually finding something new in a pipe.

The Spring Peepers Trail is an area of wetlands for 70% to 90% of the year which a natural habitat for the Spring Peepers, a species of frog. During the Spring this becomes an observation for all students.