Parker, who was involved in getting the trail built, guides students through the woods. Now in her 11th year at Gilbert, Parker said she aims to make students more aware of their outdoor surroundings. Doing so now will make them better stewards of the land as adults, and may even encourage some students to pursue careers in the environmental field, the award-winning teacher said. Parker said the school keeps a good supply of items for students to use while exploring the natural world. Field guides, magnifying glasses and snowshoes are pulled out of school lockers for the outdoor excursions.
Recycling is a big part of the program.
Parker said she is fascinated by the various aspects of nature that can be observed on a small plot of ground. And she plans to continue sharing those discoveries with as many students as possible in the coming years.