Special to the News
On Tuesday, April 29, Jacques Mitchell’s biology and earth science classes went on a field trip to Flagg Mountain to learn about fire ecology, fire tower history and orienteering from the Alabama Forestry Commission foresters, John Goff who provided tower history, Brad Dunham who taught on organizing and orienteering, Braxton Lashley who taught about fire ecology and led the hike, and Ryan Dunham who served as chef.
We appreciate them for sharing their knowledge and time with us, which was extra special because of Goff, Dunham and Lashley all being graduates of Central High School.
Doug McConnell also took the students on a hike and taught them how to identify trees. We really appreciate him for donating his time and for the very interactive and interesting lessons he provided.
The students were able to climb the stairs of the recently renovated tower and look out over their beautiful Coosa County from the top of the tower. They were able to see a 394-year-old tree and enjoy hot dogs and s’mores.
An unplanned treat was running into three Pinhoti Trail hikers as they were starting or ending their trek who were gracious enough to share their experiences with our students and answer their questions.
A special shout out goes to our awesome bus driver, Jan Calfee, and Janice Kilgore from the Coosa County Conservation office for the grant money to make the trip possible for our students. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity right here in our backyard.
Thank you to Coosa County Schools Science Coach Shelley Wood for organizing the trip and sharing pictures and information.
