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.
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.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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.
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.