Just in time for Earth Day 2016, the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center in Nellysford is partnering with the Environmental Studies Academy (ESA) of Western Albemarle High School. Rockfish River Elementary 4th grade students will be the beneficiaries.

On April 19th, 2016, ESA high school students will be teaching the 4th graders about the natural resources of Nelson County. This first “Naturally Nelson” event will be held at the Natural History Center and Spruce Creek Park in Nellysford.

A brainstorm between Peter Agelasto (President, Rockfish Valley Foundation), Adam Mulcahy (ESA Director), and Leah Jung (a volunteer docent at the Center), this event is a pilot program for the Nelson community. The three leaders plan to expand the program to be able to provide environmental education to more school children, environmental experiences for adults & families, and a community awareness of the richness of Nelson County natural resources.

Active learning stations will be set up along the Children’s Trail and the Academy students will rotate the 4th graders through the stations, teaching them about watersheds, water quality, and more. The elementary school students will practice reasoning skills while learning to identify local trees. They will examine rocks from Nelson County to learn how rocks are formed and what types of products can be made from local rocks.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” according to Leah Jung. “The ESA students learn how to develop practical environmental projects and get teaching experience. The 4th graders get hands-on environmental education from people they admire and look up to…high school students! Nelson County benefits by having their children appreciate the uniqueness and value of Nelson County’s natural resources.”

For more information contact Leah Jung at leahbj@msn.com, Peter Agelasto at info@rockfishvalley.org, or Adam Mulcahy at amulcahy@k12albemarle.org

Thanks to:

Piney River Quarry