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AP Environmental Science applies lessons at the North Campus

Hyde School’s AP Environmental Science Class took a trip north to the Lennox Outdoor Learning Center in Eustis, ME for an academic intensive.  Led by Faculty Ty Goodwin and the Director of Outdoor Education Megan-Mack Nicholson, the purpose of this trip was for students to take the lessons from the classroom and to build a closer relationship with the natural environment. The class learned about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its relevance to today, biomimicry, forest therapy, and what makes a forest or lake healthy.

While hiking, students learned about different trees, plants, and fauna, and how to identify them and their uses. For example, which tree branches are best for starting fires and which contain sap high in Vitamin C.  Students got to sample and taste Vitamin C straight from the trunk of a tree. The first night ended with a hearty dinner, playing Uno, and watching the environmental documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Right before retiring to the campus yurts, the students had fun stargazing, playing hide-and-seek, and a classic game of kick the can.

The second day class focused on the lake. Canoeing on Flagstaff Lake with the iconic Bigelow Mountains surrounded by fall foliage provided a relaxed energy. Porting on a nearby island we had lunch on the beach, and time to observe and study the lake to form opinions on its health. Before departing students discovered a moose jaw, teeth, and some vertebrates. This sparked their curiosity and became unique souvenirs.  

That evening around a campfire the students shared smores and debated whether the forest and lake were healthy or not.  Many great ideas and laughs were shared. When the sun went down and the stars came out the students spent time together looking at the Milky Way and playing games. 

After the trip, a few students shared some thoughts on their experiences.  “The trip was great. I feel very well to have had the opportunity to get close to nature. The canoeing and swimming made me feel amazing. Also, it was a great time to talk and hang out with classmates and get to know them more. Overall, to get out of the classroom and campus to have the opportunity to stay in nature is great.” - Glan ’25. 

Some students who have shown interest in pursuing Environmental Science in college were affirmed in their decision after having this experience. “Going to Hyde's North Campus for our AP Environmental Science class turned out to be a great way to learn a little more about the subject we are taking. We were taught about the ecosystem around us, which was followed by some kayaking and a debate near the campfire at the end of the trip. Besides learning, this trip has sparked even more passion for Environmental Science and has also improved relationships between my peers in this class.” - Milos '25

In a final thought of reflection Sol '25 simply quoted, "They took me into the wild to learn. I am grateful".

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