The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) recently hosted a Conservation Connections field trip with a local homeschool group at the S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve. The students engaged in a hands-on exploration in nature, learning about local ecology, and the importance of environmental stewardship through this immersive, place-based education.
Led by TILT staff, the students embarked on a scavenger hunt designed to help them identify native and invasive plant species, observe signs of erosion, and connect scientific concepts with their own outdoor experiences. Students spotted frogs, snakes, and a variety of plant species including common burdock, field horsetail, and the Virginia strawberry. Helping young students understand invasive species, and learning about how they can spread, builds awareness of how ecosystems function and why balance matters. Learning to recognize the difference between native and invasive plants gives children a meaningful connection to the land and understand the importance of protecting it. Hands-on outdoor experiences like this encourages curiosity, observation, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Additionally, a stop at the Rivergate Trail’s restored trestle provided a close-up view of erosion in action, sparking discussion on the natural and human causes of erosion and its effects on local landscapes.
“It’s always great to see students making connections between what they’ve learned and what they’re seeing outside,” said Delaney McIlrath, TILT’s Community Engagement Coordinator. “Being out on the land helps make conservation feel more real and gives students a chance to ask questions, observe, and explore at their own pace.”
In addition to fostering academic curiosity, experiences like these offer powerful mental health benefits. Time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional well-being—especially in young learners. By learning in nature, students not only gain scientific knowledge but also develop a stronger sense of connection to the environment, which research shows can boost confidence, resilience, and overall mental health.
Conservation Connections emphasizes the power of place-based learning to boost student engagement, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and emotional development. Through experiences rooted in nature, students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and build meaningful connections between what they learn and the world around them.
The Land Trust looks forward to expanding this exciting program and welcoming even more young learners into the natural classroom. Educators interested in organizing a Conservation Connections field trip can contact Delaney McIlrath at dmcilrath@tilandtrust.org.