At the end of April, fourth grade students from Country Day School took their classroom learning outdoors with a visit to Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve in Fox Chapel, as part of a yearlong habitat restoration project focused on environmental stewardship.

Led by Fourth Grade Teacher Justin Rebitch, the program introduced students to key ecological concepts, including learning about invasive plant species and their effects on the environment and on birds and insects. Throughout the academic year, students explored how these factors shape the environment and what steps can be taken to protect it.

During their visit to Beechwood Farms, students participated in a variety of hands-on activities designed to support the preserve’s ecosystem. They planted trees to help restore native habitats and created “seed bombs,” a method used to disperse seeds and encourage the growth of local plant life.

By combining classroom instruction with immersive outdoor experiences, the initiative aims to foster a deeper connection to nature, a broader understanding of environmental sciences, and a lifelong desire to take an active role in caring for the natural world.