Our first stop was at Monroe's Orchard on Pioneer Trail in Mantua.  Our trekkers were given a brief history of the family farm.  This year the Monroe family is celebrating 75 years of supplying Portage County with delicious fruit. Check out: www.MonroesOrchard.com.  We were given an outside tour of the apple and new cherry trees plus pumpkin, strawberry, and raspberry patches. Monroe's Orchard also has 25 varieties of apples, six kinds of peaches, pears, and maple syrup. Basic agriculture in farm life has turned to agri-tourism and even agri-entertainment!  With Monroe's motto, "Make a Memory" for their annual Apple Harvest Festivals, we can certainly proclaim, "You made us happy and we are telling everyone!"

Students enjoyed viewing native Ohio reptiles and amphibians inside the field station for Hiram College. A creek walk and salamander search highlighted our tour.  For more information regarding the field station check out: http://thehiramcollege.net/news/?p=269#.UlyOWTY8PMI.twitter

Students are exploring tunnels formed from shifting boulders of Sharon Conglomerate, a sedimentary sandstone with imbedded quartz pebbles.  We were headed to ice box cave at Nelson Ledges State Park.

Friday was a glorious Autumn day, as we enjoyed spectacular fall foliage, perfect clear crisp skies, and inquisitive trekkers.  Matt Sorrick, Hiram College's director of Center for Science Education, assisted Crestwood Intermediate School Students, retired teacher and author, Gloria Alden, and myself as we toured northern Portage County's gems.  Our students enjoyed every minute of the adventure! 

This is my latest Hiram Community Grant!  Come join us for Nature Treks:


Are you interested in discovering the hidden gems of the Crestwood Community?  Hiking outside?  Mentoring a student? Using IPads and technology?
Please join us for Nature Treks.  A Hiram Community Grant provides funding to take Crestwood Intermediate School students and community members to explore area sights.  Save the dates: Oct. 18, Jan. 20, Feb. 14, April 4, and June 9.  Trek information will be distributed prior to each trip,  Most treks will be 9:00-4:00.
Each trek will include a preview & follow up after school meeting using technology to record Then and Now stories regarding sites. Trekkers will meet at Crestwood Intermediate school the Wednesday before and after each trek from 3:50-4:30.
 Tentative locations are:
Monroe’s Apple Orchard, Hiram College Field Station, Nelson Ledges, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Mentor Marsh and Headlands,  Punderson State Park, Chapin Forest, Esker trail, Headwaters trail, Camp Asbury, and Camp Hi Canoe trip  
Nature Treks is sponsored by Matt Sorrick, Director of the Center for Science Education at Hiram College. Rosemary Krupar is the Nature Treks Instructor. Contact Rosemary Krupar at [email protected] for more details.

Until we meet again!   Thanks to so many who have enriched my life.  I will hold this summer memories close to my heart. From Rangers Pam, Heather, and Phil; fellow Teacher Ranger Teachers Ken, Shannon, and Chuck; then Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center staff Stacey, Emily, Mike, and Connie; teaching interns Katie, Josh, and Chris; plus summer counselors Seth, Tory, Anastasia, and Rudy I thank you for your help, support, and friendship.  It is people like you who share nature with children that plant the seeds of future stewards of the earth.

Throughout the summer, I have invited everyone to share CVNP with me.  Many thanks to friends:  Sara Gardner, Barb Komoff, Gloria Alden, Natalie Harr, Patty Timbrook, Lee Dean, and Teresa Skully who met me for lunch and a hike.  Also, my family, Nick, Lauren, and Ally who agreed to ride the train to help me experience all aspects of CVNP.