On June 7, 2006, the Southern Kings Nature Trail was officially opened. SKC students, staff, and parents had spearheaded this long-term environmental project to protect the native woodland and wetland species of flora and fauna found behind the school. Given an opportunity to have valuable hands-on learning experiences with the trail’s plant and wildlife resources (researching and collecting data, sketching, journaling, and measuring), students are developing a healthy respect for natural habitats. The trail is giving them the chance to touch, see, smell, hear, or taste the environmental resources they are learning about, in a natural setting. This kind of learning opportunity, which emphasizes the preservation and conservation of the trail's habitats, is encouraging our students to make their own ecological observations, and take from the experience a sense of accomplishment and ownership.

The 2.24 km double-loop trail, developed on woodlots behind the school, facilitates hands-on outdoor studies as it winds through a variety of habitats including wetlands, mature evergreen stands, and mixed woodlands. The nature trail is an outdoor classroom just steps from the school door, an oasis of wildlife, a refuge for plants, birds, insects and other animals which make up a complex food chain. The entire school community can investigate the way plants and animals live together and learn how we can either damage or enhance the environment. The nature trail also provides an inside look into secondary succession where land once cleared is allowed to revert back to a natural state. Having the diverse natural habitats accessible to SKC students on a daily basis is increasing their awareness and appreciation of the environment; the importance of preservation on natural habitats is very valuable in shaping their personal conservation values.

Clearing, grooming, and widening the existing footpath, and planting White Spruce, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, and Red Oak tree seedlings were early initiatives of the students as they researched the natural features of the trail, prepared a brochure (points of interest clearly numbered along the trail to correspond with information in the guide), now available at the trailhead sign, and developed permanent interpretive stations to highlight special aspects of the trail, including: wildlife, tree, shrub, and wildflower identification habitat-type explanation; successional process; wildlife habitat preferences (evergreens, hardwoods, shrubs); wildlife trees (trees with cavities, nut/fruit producing trees); information on historical landmarks; nutrient cycling (log/leaf litter decay) and tree life cycle; forest management information.

Students, staff, parents, and local community residents use the nature trail frequently to study natural habitats, animal tracks, native plant species, and also to walk, run, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, taking advantage of the trail's 8 benches to rest and observe. There is a lookout shelter on the edge of the wetland mini-loop trail for observing waterfowl and aquatic vegetation.

Currently, the vegetation on the nature trail site consists of an area in mature plantations of white pine, red pine, white spruce, and eastern larch, mature mixed hardwood stands, and transitional shrub-hardwood areas. This site has good wildlife potential for many species, because there is plenty of vegetation diversity present. The stands of evergreens provide excellent nesting site and thermal protection while the variety of hardwoods and shrubs provide a diverse range of food sources for many native species. Because the wetland is a vital water source for wildlife, an important phase of this trail project was to restore, conserve, and protect the environmentally significant and sensitive ecosystem of the trail's wetland, which will benefit not only native waterfowl, but also other wildlife. This wetland gives food and shelter to many species. Wetland plants provide nesting materials to ducks, herons and other waterfowl. Small mammals use the lush vegetation at the edge of the wetland for cover and as a source of food. They, in turn, are food for hawks, owls, and eagles cruising along the trail.

Specific objectives of the ongoing trail project are curricular related for our school community. By developing and using the trail, students, staff, and parents will be enabled to:
• identify and investigate species of plants and animals in the trail’s various habitats, and the conditions under which they live
• make observations and collect information related to habitats and their associated populations of plants and wildlife
• identify their own and their families’ impact on habitats, and describe how personal actions help conserve habitats
• compile and display the data collected in the habitat study
• compare the external features and behavioural patterns of different wildlife and relate these features to their ability to meet their basic needs in their natural habitats
• using appropriate terminology compare the structural features of plants and trees that enable them to thrive in different kinds of places
• predict how the removal of a plant or wildlifel population affects the rest of the community
• relate habitat loss to the endangerment or extinction of plants and wildlife

When students engage in focused outdoor study on the trail, they are becoming more aware of the relationships around them -- vital interconnections between rocks, soils, plants, wildlife, people, and land use. When they understand these connections, they have a foundation for preserving and conserving the trail's ecosystems, plant and animal species, and habitats. The entire school community is involved in developing the trail; everyone has the opportunity to discover a variety of native flora and fauna while they take an interpretive walk exploring and learning about the trail's unique natural features.

We will keep momentum going for our nature trail project by building on previous planning and current trail initiatives while providing a comprehensive “blueprint” that protects the rich heritage found in the area, and continues enhancement efforts of the trail to protect its native flora and fauna. In short, this substantial effort will identify and prioritize for conservation an intact network of trails, wetlands, and natural resources. A master plan is currently underway that is creating a vision and implementation strategy for our nature trail. Initiatives are identified and prioritized through this process. The process features active involvement and participation on the part of the students, staff, parents, and local community.

The primary goal of the nature trail is to serve the students, staff, and parents as an educational and recreational area, as well as to preserve and restore native species of flora and fauna. The trail is an important tool for teaching environmental awareness and appreciation. It provides experiences for observing nature firsthand with all senses employed. It is a resource that is available to the entire school and community, and is applicable to all curriculum areas.

Specific Goals and Actions for the School Year 2008-2009:

Goal 1: Restore, conserve, and manage a second distinct wetland area with its open marsh, wet meadow and forested wetland, as this wetland community is a vital water source for wildlife, benefiting not only native waterfowl, but also other wildlife.
Action 1: Extend the trail system (excavation and resurfacing) to highlight this second wetland that needs to be dredged and restored.
Action 2: Install 10 additional birdhouses on developed trail and trail extension.
Action 3: Install 3 additional interpretive station signs to illustrate not only the flora and fauna native to the trail’s extension and wetland, but also the historical significance of the area.
Action 4: Install 3 additional benches on trail extension.
Action 5: Install 5 directional signs at the trail intersections.
Action 6: Install a raised boardwalk on the waterlogged section of the trail extension beside the 2nd wetland.

Goal 2: Study and observe the habits of wildlife without disturbing them.
Action 1: Install a wireless webcam on the pond's lookout shelter.

Goal 3: Teach students how weather affects the flora and fauna of the trail’s diverse ecosystem.
Action 1: Install a weather monitoring station.