Quincy Wetland Project - Q.N.I.T. (Quincy Nature Interpretive Trail)

 I have always wanted to do something with Quincy's wetland ponds.  I read a book this summer called "Place Based Education" which was about getting kids involved in real world projects that directly improve their local community.  I thought our school was the perfect place to start.  With help from our Service Learning Coordinator, and many others we have a pretty cool project planned this year.   Our quick plan is as follows:

1.  This fall dig and put down stone for a short wetland walk trail.  The kids call it Q.N.I.T. which is short for Quincy Nature Interpretive Trail.  (They have fallen in love with the name so I'm doubtful that I can convince them to call it something else. ;-)

2.  Over the winter we are planning to design the information signs along the trail, incorporating ecosystems, wetlands, and various other applicable information from our fifth grade curriculum.  We would like to have some prototype ideas to get quotes from local printing companies and have them printed and installed in the spring.  

3.  (Big Dream)  The building trades students at the high school would like to help us build a small outdoor classroom with a water testing deck.  This is a big wish at this point, but I am hopeful.  They will build it in May, and it would complete the project for this year.  I would like to have a ribbon cutting ceremony on the last week of school and have the kids officially hand the outdoor classroom and trail over to the Quincy Community.  

IF ANYONE CAN LOAN US YOUR WHEEL BARREL, A SHOVEL, AND STONE RAKE, PLEASE BRING IT TO SCHOOL.  WE WOULD LIKE TO SPREAD SOME STONE THIS FRIDAY NEAR THE END OF THE DAY. 

That is all at this point, I'll keep you posted!