Kindergartners Delight in their Visit to Fernvale

by Lisa Preston, lower school naturalist

Our Kindergarten Naturalists were invited by Dr. Joe and Billie Little (grandparents of Kindergartners James and Caleb Little) to spend the day at Basin Spring, their beautiful haven in Fernvale, Tennessee.

As soon as we arrived, Joe and Billie greeted us and began sharing their love and knowledge of wildflowers. Walking along moss-covered paths, we observed Twisted Trillium, Sweet Betsy Trillium, Spring Beauties, Shooting Stars, Phlox, Phacelia, Green Dragon, Hound's Tongue, Tooth Wort, Yellow Poppies, Jack in the Pulpit, and more. 
 
Dr. Little also showed us a great collection of natural treasures, including an owl skull he had found.  He spoke with our Naturalists about the importance of an owl's vision and how that relates to its eye sockets. Fascinating. Next, we all made our way up the creek.  As we walked, Dr. Little caught a toad, a frog, a few salamanders, a crayfish, some cased caddis. Clearly, the stream was teeming with all sorts of life right under our feet.
 
One highlight of the day was the moment Dr. Little thrilled us with one of the best owl calls I have ever heard from a human voice. To hear it with your eyes closed, you would have thought it was the real thing – it was amazing!
 
Fernvale is truly a magical place, and made for a magical adventure.
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
Archive
USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.