With this experience, students get the chance to learn about native and invasive species that exist along the trail at Graves Farm in Onsted, Michigan. The trail offers a chance to explore hypothesis and observation skills as students try to point out various plant and animal species in our ecosystem. Students will learn the difference between native species that exist in our environment, as well as invasive species and what it means to be an invasive species.
Students will explore various stops along the trail to learn about the tree tagging process and ongoing research conducted by Adrian College students. They will also observe important ecological processes, such as climax communities and developing communities. In addition, students will learn how to distinguish between Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper, along with identifying key characteristics of other plant species.
Students will leave this experience with inside knowledge and be able to identify plant species in their own backyards. This ability to differentiate between native and invasive species can help them look at the health of the plant communities within their own backyards and within the nature around them.
