Students in Mary Kerr’s science class at Newburgh Free Academy began an Ecology Unit in Living Environment and recently visited Black Rock Forest to conduct a vernal pool study.
The students learned about the reproductive habits of amphibians (salamanders and frogs) and how vernal pools form from melting snow and rain. They also learned about all the different bird species in the forest. The class caught a glimpse of a blue heron and many golden finches. In addition, students learned about myriapods (millipedes and centipedes) in the forest. Students had chances to pick them up.
Kerr is looking forward to taking this group and her new classes back to Black Rock Forest in the fall for the dendrology trail.
