Welcome back to another Club Showcase! This is the final showcase of the year, and It will be highlighting the wonderful Nature club! This showcase, however, will be a little different from the other ones we have created so far.
As summer draws near, many students—and faculty—are deciding what activities to do during their vacation. For many, this can be a struggle. I myself can say that planning things to do for three months of vacation is not easy. However, there was one activity that came up during this debacle: hiking.
Hiking, or just nature walks in general, is a wonderful way to spend your time. Nowadays, many of us tend to shy away from going outdoors and instead spend their time inside using technology. This is not inherently bad, but too much of something can be harmful. Getting out and taking in the scenery, getting fresh air, and feeling the sun on your skin can be refreshing and relaxing, especially after a long school year.
Which is why I contacted Mx. Turner, advisor of the Nature club, to not only share some great hiking locations, but to also share details on the club and how it works.
“Nature club is in its early stages,” says Mx. Turner. “This was my first year at South and first year running the club, but the intent is for it to be an opportunity for South High community members to connect around a shared interest in anything to do with nature. We go on walks/hikes and pick up trash on our way.” The club usually meets up to go outside, but on day where the weather is off, they stay inside. “When we are inside, we have done some plant-identification practice, and planned hikes for when it is nice out.”
The club has been doing one hike per month since April this year, “I would love for the club to meet year-round, but it operates mainly on student interest. I love a winter walk, but I know that is not the case for everybody!” Mx. Turner also says that the club meets regularly on Thursdays during advisory, and plans for the club to meet once a month next year on Thursdays afterschool.
They share a big love for nature, and wish to share that same love with the South High community. “I love the feeling of being connected to my environment. When I visit the same trails or natural places over and over, it feels like visiting an old friend. I appreciate how being in nature makes space for reflecting.” Mx. Turner says. Their main goal with the club is “to provide an opportunity for others to develop their relationship with nature,” and also states that “It is fantastic for your mental and physical health to be outside, which we can all use some help with.”
So far, the club has gone to Asnebumskit Hill in Paxton, Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, and will be going to Mass Central Rail Trail at River Street in Holden this Tuesday. During advisory they meet in Mx. Turner’s room or by the main lobby if they are going outside that day, and for hikes the club usually meets at the front of South High.
“I hope that more people will get involved with the club in general so that many ways of appreciating nature can be celebrated/shared.” Mx. Turner shares. They also want to expand the trips the club goes on, “We intend to plan for an overnight trip somewhere close by to practice planning and executing a camping trip that is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.”
Getting out and enjoying nature can be a great way to spend your summer, but its also beneficial during the school year, too. Everyone experiences stress, and learning how to control and minimize it is key to keeping a good work-life balance.
Lastly, Mx. Turner shares some amazing hiking locations and trails in and nearby Worcester! Here they all are:
Close-by:
– Any section of the mid-state trail. I personally love the stretches by Moose Hill Reservoir in Leicester, Long Pond in Rutland, and between Crow Hill and Mt. Wachusett.
– The River street entrance of the Mass Central Rail Trail is one of the most beautiful places in Massachusetts, and quite flat/accessible to folks who prefer flat ground. No dogs allowed on this trail, though.
– The Hadwen Arboretum by Clark University
Longer/more distant trips:
– Great Gulf Trail (White Mountains, NH)
– Franconia Ridge Trail (White Mountains, NH)
– Mt. Monadnock (Jaffrey, NH)
With the year coming to a close, the nature club may just be a perfect choice if you want to get involved in an easy-going, fun, and beneficial afterschool activity for the next school year.
Interested in joining the Nature Club? Email Mx. Turner at [email protected] , or fill out an interest form here!
