Connections to Nature

Building a Path from

Wilmington Friends Lower
School to the Alapocas Run Park
Are people interested in this
project?
Every class in the school agreed that this project was a
good idea.

Every teacher has been able to find connections to their

class work.

Students were very excited about the possibility of being in

nature more often.

Students also mentioned concerns for nature and safety

that we are planning to work on next school year.
How teachers would like to use
the path:
Study of local plants and animals, rocks, minerals and
soil; observing nature through the changing seasons

To promote stewardship, particularly caring for the earth

and nature

As inspiration for writing

Possibly having MFW outdoors

Learning
We could see different animals and insects on land, in the sky and
in the river.

It could make our learning more active and hands-on.

We can find out what kinds of plants grow there and what there
uses are.

We could do environmental studies in the field or near the rocks.

We will develop more respect for living things.

Learning (continued)

It would be neat to take science classes down

there.

We could learn about wilderness safety.

We could observe and grow plants and build

birdhouses.
Uses for the path

We could use it for social gatherings.

We could draw what we see in the woods.

It would be good for the neighborhood.

It could be good for the 7th and 8th grade cross country
team.

It will be good to observe things in nature.

Other Uses

It will help us to be healthier.

We could pick up trash in the woods.

The upper and middle school could use the path.

It is a good idea because we can explore.

Safety Purposes
There wouldn’t be any cars.

On the road, people may get hit by a car.

It is a shorter way to the woods.

We might need a staircase.

It will be quicker than using the road.

Where To Build It

We could build it near the 3-4-5 playground.

We could build it on the Early Years

playground.

We could build it near the turf.

What To Work Around

We should try to work around the trees and big plants

and habitats.

We should make a path between trees.

We could smooth it with a rake.

We need to find a way and place to build it where there

are fewer trees.
Construction Materials
We could use gravel, wood, metal, stone and
brick

We might need a bridge

We could line it with plants

We should not use a fence

Construction Impact

We could put a picnic table on the path.

We should not take out too many bushes.

We could plant trees and put up birdhouses.

Concerns
There might be poisonous snakes. We should consider
making a sign.

We might need to cut down trees.

Would there be rules?

It might be a risk to wildlife.

Would it be natural or would we be destroying nature to

make it?

We need to learn more before building it.

Our Proposal & Action Plan
Construction
How?
When?
Who?
Research Materials
Eco-friendly
Costs
Fundraising
Our Proposal & Action Plan
Research where to build
Interview:
Groundspeople
Parks people
Landscapers/surveyors
Design questions
How it affects nature?
Safety of plants and animals
Runners & Bikers
Locked gate?
Rules for use
In Conclusion…
 Thank you for listening! We hope this
presentation has convinced you that this path
would be helpful to the entire Friends School
community. We would appreciate your feedback
on our ideas, and your support to move forward
with this project in fourth grade.

In Friendship,
WFS Class of 2019