Nature-based Education Intern, Amanda Ross, shares her adventures from the field! An Environmental Management major at Indiana University, Amanda will be spend the summer supporting Bernheim’s education initiatives. Here’s what she’s been up to lately:
“This past week, Bernheim hosted “Buzzing About STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Camp” for local Crossroads Elementary students. The week was full of outdoor adventures, crafts, animal encounters, and engaging curriculum.
The final day of camp, we visited Wilson Creek for a fun morning of creek stomping, exploring, and play. I had never been to Wilson Creek and I was most looking forward to seeing creek biodiversity. Within five minutes of exploring, the students found about 20 crayfish ranging in size from the width of my pinky fingernail to larger than my hand! I had a great time answering questions about the crayfish and teaching kids how to properly handle a crayfish without getting pinched.
We also found a queen snake and the students had the opportunity to handle the snake, as well as ask questions about the species.
I love my position as Nature-based Education intern because I get to witness kids having meaningful, educational experiences and interactions with nature every single day. I cannot wait to see what the rest of summer has in store for me here at Bernheim Forest.”
