Empowering Young Minds: Forest School in Action

Each year in our Full Year Forest School program, unique student interests emerge as the group bonds with each other and the land. Once past the initial “getting to know you” phase, preschool-aged children, known for their keen observation skills, begin to notice the details adults might overlook. This year, their curiosity led them to ask, “What are those red marks on the trees?”

If you’ve visited our site, you might have noticed these marks too — sometimes dots, but more often large Xs. These marks flag Acer platanoides, or Norway Maple, an invasive species. Alex, our Land and Facilities Manager, uses these marks to identify trees for removal. We teach our students that the Norway Maple, while invasive, isn’t inherently “good” or “bad.” It’s simply a fast-growing species that spreads rapidly, often at the expense of native plants. With conservation as a key part of our mission, preserving native biodiversity is a responsibility our students quickly understood and supported.

With this new knowledge, the group discovered a marked Norway Maple in the Outdoor Classroom. Eager to help “Mr. Alex,” they decided to take action. Unable to use a chainsaw, they began by removing branches and leaves within their reach. They then dug around the base of the tree, using mallets, tent stakes, trowels, and shovels to disrupt its ability to draw water. When neighboring Black Birch roots complicated their efforts, the students cleverly used the wintergreen scent of the Black Birch to distinguish it from the Norway Maple. Problem solved!

On another walk, the group noticed a Norway Maple on the Main Trail with two rings sawn around its trunk, a process known as girdling. Inspired, they decided to try this method using their own hand saws. Over several weeks, they carefully worked on the tree, eventually realizing they could use the saw on larger roots too. As winter turned to spring, their efforts attracted insects to the girdle marks, and they saw sap flowing from the tree. This led them to chip away more bark, further weakening the tree. By May, they had successfully peeled away the bark, exposing the cambium and significantly impacting the tree’s health.

This project, like many in Forest School, was driven by the students’ observations and curiosity. Teachers provided knowledge and guidance on safe tool use, empowering the students to take meaningful action. The sense of accomplishment they felt, knowing their efforts made a tangible impact on the Tenafly Nature Center, was powerful for a group of 3.5- to 6-year-olds.

While only time will tell the full impact of their work on the tree, this year’s Full Year Forest School group experienced the satisfaction of a project completed with creativity, reflection, problem-solving, cooperation, risk-taking, and persistence. These fundamental skills, developed in nature, will serve them well as they continue their education!