Fourth grade explores Ganier Ridge
by Lisa Preston, Lower School naturalist
This year the naturalist adventurers in fourth grade are engaging in challenging activities that foster self-confidence while in the natural world.
Our most recent adventure was hiking the Ganier Ridge Trail at Radnor Lake. In small hiking groups, each group ascended to the summit on the ridge without teachers and then completed the trail around the lake, hiking over four miles. The ridge is the second highest point in Davidson Co.
Here are some of the thoughts of the fourth graders after completing their hike:
“I really liked seeing all of the plants and trees and learning about lichen. I loved hanging out with my group and finding all of the things in the scavenger hunt. My favorite part was going up the really steep part of the trail to the top of the ridge,” said Margaret McKay.
“I liked how we hiked without any teachers. I learned about the tulip poplar and all of the other things we had to find on the scavenger hunt, and I learned more about the Ganier Ridge trail and plan to go back there,” said Izzy Rose.
“I really liked it and saw a lot of nature and the pretty view at the top. I learned that the persimmon tree has a fruit. I also liked the walk around the lake,” said Camerin Hinsey.
“It was really interesting to see all of the nature along the trail. It was peaceful when we were hiking. I learned how the ridge was really high and the trail can be steep sometimes. You should always pay attention,” said Tristan Schneider.
“I liked the view at the top and it was nice to be able to hike by yourself. I learned that there is a lot of wildlife there, and it was cool to hike to the second highest point in Davidson County,” said Xavier Mayfield.
“I liked the experience of getting to know my group and using teamwork so that every person had a job. I learned more about leaves and seeds,” said Olivia Barbieri.
“I liked having the freedom to hike without any teachers. I learned that it was easier to communicate with my group when we worked together,” said Katie Tong.
"I learned that if you hike with friends, like Zinnia, you can get extra help when you need it. I didn’t know what to expect at first, then I was scared, nervous, and happy,” said Alena Ellis.
“I liked going on the hike with friends. I learned about different kinds of leaves and working together with my group,” said Dalton Vaughn.
“I thought it was pretty cool. It was a good bonding experience. We got advice from other hikers, like to hike on the uphill side of trees to help the trees stay on the slope. I learned that I could hike over four miles, even though my feet felt like they were bleeding,” said John Bivens.
There is nothing like the value of shared adventure.
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Nashville, TN 37212
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Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
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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.