Alanthus Survey at Sugarloaf Mountain

Working alongside researchers from Hood College, students gather data on the colonization patterns of the invasive tree, Alanthus (Tree of Heaven) at our research plot on Sugarloaf Mountain. Students are looking at the impact of natural and manmade disturbances on invasive exotic plants.

Clagett Farm

This is one of two senior trips that students may choose to participate in. Students study sustainable organic agriculture by participating in hands on activities at a working Sustainable Community Agricultural Farm. Students conduct tests to observe the positive impact that sustainable agriculture has on soil porosity, texture, and nutrient levels. Students also compared various agricultural and land use techniques on soil erosion and water quality. On the second day, students canoed the Patuxent and Mattaponi Rivers to observe the benefits of healthy riparian and sustainable agriculture on our local waterways.

Little Bennett Bio-Diversity Study

Working independently, students set up their own study plots, identify and count the species present and compute a Shannon Weinter Biodiversity Index for each plot. Students discuss which plots are the most biodiverse and why that is so.

Canaan Valley Overnight

This is the second of two senior trips that seniors may choose from. Students go on a 4 day 3 night trip to Canaan Valley and spend the night in rustic cabins cooking their meals and working cooperatively to fulfill their housekeeping duties. They complete an ranger led interpretive 8 mile hike through a boreal mixed hardwood forest, explore the effects of coal mining and wind generation to meet our energy needs and get up close and personal with one of the last Old Growth Forests on the East Coast. Students also go on geocaching expeditions and participate in student led Project Wild lessons. At night students learn about the natural history of the area, participate in night hikes and astronomy activities and end the trip with a talent show around the campfire.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Green Building Tour

Students tour the LEED certified Chesapeake Bay Foundation Headquarters in Annapolis to see first hand the latest in green construction technique and understand how these same concepts can be used in their homes and communities.

BP Solar Tour

Students tour the BP Solar plant in Frederick Maryland to learn how solar panels are made from raw silicon. The principles of solar voltaic technologies are discussed and students come away with a greater understanding of the pros and cons of this renewable energy source.

Sugarloaf Geology Hike

Geology comes to life during a 5 mile hike around our local monadnock, Sugarloaf Mountain. From this vantage point students learn about the Physiographic Provinces of Maryland, the rock cycle and the forces that formed the Appalachian Mountains.