River Valley Students to Dedicate
Nature Trail June 5
Contact: John Schmieding, (740) 592-5983
ATHENS, Ohio (June 1, 2000) -- A nature trail developed by fifth- and sixth-grade
students at River Valley Community School will be dedicated at 5:15 p.m. Monday, June 5,
at the trail head on Ohio 682 in Athens, about three-fourths of a mile west of Richland Avenue.
About 25 students have been working on the mile-long trail for 18 months, under the
direction of John Schmieding, science teacher at River Valley.
"The students built foot bridges, put in steps and put up markers identifying trees
along the path," Schmieding said.
From the experience, the youths gained insights beyond what can be learned in the
traditional classroom or laboratory setting.
"The students learned about topography, map-making and problem-solving skills. Most
of all, they developed an appreciation for a relatively protected place in the woods,"
Schmieding said.
The property is owned by Ohio University.
"We wanted to be a good neighbor and extend an invitation for other levels of education,
such as elementary students, to benefit from our resources. The students were very
respectful of nature, and the trail is constructed so that it doesn't interfere with the
natural environment," said Director of Facilities Planning John Kotowski. "We're happy to
help with an educational project that benefits people in the area."
