Patterson High Students Enjoy a Day in the Shade at Herring Run Park

On the morning of June 10th, Mr. Smith's class from Patterson High gathered at Herring Run Park for a day of exploring. Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, students observed a number of habitats. Armed with dip nets, they splashed through the stream. A number of aquatic species were caught, including scud, caddis flies, damselflies, stoneflies, sunfish, white suckers and black nosed dace. On the nature hike decomposers were everywhere! Every couple steps one could see earthworms, millipedes, centipedes, slugs and beetles. The forest was filled with bird songs, however our feathered friends were not easy to spot. Students learned about nonnative and invasive species, like bamboo and English ivy, and the damage they can cause to a habitat. After the program, students celebrated the end of the school year with a cookout in the park.