Trails are Terrific

We value our connection with our faculty at Saint Vincent College, it is what makes Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) unique in our programming and commitment to connecting real science to our work. We take immense pride in our collective effort to create a unique space that invites the community to connect with the natural world and faculty research. We invite you to join our ornithologist in a bird walk or two.

Have you been wondering where our beloved mud kitchen has gone? Well, it’s been carefully tucked away, waiting to make its grand debut in our upcoming Nature House play space! We are thrilled to share that this enchanting area will be designed in accordance with Nature Explore Certification guidelines, featuring a delightful kitchen, cozy living room, inviting library, imaginative playroom, and so much more! Here, visitors will have the unique opportunity to borrow tools and engage deeply with nature, turning playtime into a magical experience of experimentation and creativity. Not a playground, our Nature House will celebrate the beauty of play in its purest form, encouraging little ones to explore, create, and discover. We kindly ask our visitors to embrace the "leave no trace" philosophy by tidying up and returning items for the next tiny adventurers, ensuring that our natural messages remain untouched. Are you curious about what enchanting experiences await? We can’t wait for you to join us in this nurturing space where families can connect with nature and each other!

This collaboration with Saint Vincent College students and faculty exemplifies WPNR's unwavering commitment to enriching educational experiences, empowering students to cultivate a profound appreciation for the environment. We hope these transformative moments inspire them to become passionate ambassadors for nature and conservation, fostering a lifelong dedication to sustainable practices within their communities and schools.

Undergraduate students studying environmental science in Nature and Sustainable Resource Management have embarked on an inspiring journey at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) where they are blending theory with practice in a vibrant natural setting. Under the guidance of their professor, Dr. Peter Smyntek, these students participated in a captivating native plant exploration led by our knowledgeable Education Horticulturist. Through her insights on biodynamic gardening practices, seed saving, and sustainable methods within our flourishing pollinator landscape, students are not only gaining hands-on experience but also deepening their understanding of the vital connection between ecological principles and real-world application.

Undergraduate students in Dr. Michelle Duennes' Ecology class engage in invaluable hands-on learning experiences by exploring the diverse ecosystems at WPNR. Through the collection of various insects from fields, ponds, and other habitats, these students actively participate in citizen science initiatives that align closely with the mission of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) to foster environmental stewardship. Their investigations not only enhance their understanding of taxonomy but also develop essential scientific skills such as data handling and recording.

This past week, preservice undergraduate education students in Dr. Veronica Ent's Physical Health and Wellness for Educators had the unique opportunity to engage with her draft horse and donkeys during class. This experience underscored the profound impact that animals can have in fostering connections among individuals, particularly as a method for reducing stress. Additionally, the introduction to nature-based expressive therapy techniques equips these future educators with valuable tools to diversify their teaching methodologies, both within the classroom and in outdoor settings. Such hands-on experiences not only enhance their understanding of holistic education but also promote the integration of natural world into their future practices.

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." - Emily Brontë 

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