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.

Description

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.

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

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.

The primary purpose of the trail project is to protect and restore environmentally significant areas of vegetation, wildlife and wetlands. The nature trail project has enhanced the school curriculum for students and teachers, has increased community spirit and involvement, and has provided a regional asset. The trail project has been successful as the environmental enhancements, protections and preservations help the flourishing of native wildlife and the natural wetland. The evidence of success is the abundance of growth of native plants, animal/insect breeding and habitation, and the use of the trail by the school community. 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. Work on the project will continue as students, staff, parents, and members of the community work to maintain and expand it in the future.

Specific Goals and Actions for the School Years 2008-2010:

Goal 1: Restore, conserve, and manage a second wetland area with its open marsh, wet meadow and forest; 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.
Action 2: Install a raised boardwalk/shelter/viewing platform system beside the 2nd wetland.
Action 3: Install 3 additional interpretive station signs to illustrate not only the flora and fauna native to the trail’s second 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 10 additional birdhouses on developed trail and trail extension.

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.

Future Plan

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.

Aim One: An Interconnected Trail System

As we try to enhance the trail experience, the concept of connectivity will be vital. The school will go forward to build a network of trails that work together to connect different aspects of the woodlands and wetlands behind the school. This interconnectivity gets its foundation by concentrating on a framework for tying the trail together. A framework is beginning to emerge from progress on the original double loop trail that serves as a backbone of a network of trails. This 2.25 km trail can be considered the basic system, the major trunk from which other connectivity and mobility will flow. In applying the Interconnectivity Aim, we encourage further progress on the original trail and encourage students, staff, and parents interested in the trail to promote methods to further this interconnectivity element. Connectivity implies new opportunities for habitat study and recreation through access to new destinations, and longer, more enjoyable outings.

Aim Two: Sustainability Guides, The Process

The resources of the Southern Kings Trail project will be focused on promoting trails that are sustainable over the long term. Sustainability means that the trails are designed, constructed and maintained in such a manner that the environment is respected, long term maintenance is kept to a minimum and that associated costs are within the reach of the school. The Southern Kings Trail Future Plan encourages trail development to a standard that assures the trails will incorporate the latest and best concepts, materials, and techniques.

Aim Three: Trails As Access to Southern Kings Treasures

The reasons to build trails are numerous. They promote exercise, they connect the school community with natural areas, and they are good for conservation education. Trails also provide access to things we want to see. An aim of the trail plan is that whenever possible, trails should provide access to natural points of interest, for example, wetlands. Building trails to destinations brings opportunities to feature interpretive points along the route. The trail becomes an educational tool, teaching the ecology of Southern Kings area. The impact and benefits of trails are spread out to broader segments of the area, bringing deeper appreciation and wider acceptance of the trail's mission.