We're Going to a Garden

There was no playground. I heard the disappointed, “Oh,” in the student’s voice who had posed the question. The Metro Parks Educator, Jen explained that this was technically a “Garden” that they were visiting, and that workers and many volunteers spend hours and hours planting, maintain, and removing, plant life. What she didn’t mention, at least not right away, was all the other wonderful experiences hiding in this place – from spotting salamander eggs to reading a story carved in stone, this place would enlighten all their senses; a trip worth taking, even without a playground.

ROCS received a grant from Friends of Metro Parks for the bus that transported the school to Inniswood Metro Gardens.  It is a grant that ROCS is very grateful for, as it has allowed ROCS student not just today’s adventure, but also past ones, such as their trip to Glacier Ridge Metro Park ( which you can read about it here.)

The student’s agenda included a guided tour with Jen on multiple trails of the park, then a visit to the Sisters’ Garden and a walk through Sky Woman maze and the story of “Turtle Island.” There were other scenes along the way, as the park is full of delightful surprises in its 123 acres.

On the trails, Jen asked students to identify some of the flowering plants – Eastern Redbuds, to Magnolias, to Virginia Bluebells – and there were students ready to answer. Notable excitement came at the Paw Paw Tree, the official native fruit of Ohio, and a staple subject of Bethany’s science class.

Wildlife began to enter the discussion early, where raccoon tracks were spotted on the boardwalk. “What might live in that tree there?” asked Jen, and later, “What might live in that pond?” There was a lot of joy in finding and admiring the clusters of salamander eggs spotted in said pond, especially from Kali the math educator, who desperately wants some on her farm at home.  There were geese, one of which sitting calmly on her nest of eggs, unbothered by the gawking crowd. Goldfinches, woodpeckers, and many other birds could be identified when we stopped to take a listen.

At the Herb Garden, students got down near the plants delighted in the smells of the season. Cat mint, Thyme, and Lamb’s Ear were ready for their noses to enjoy. 

At the Rock Garden, students who wanted to, could feel a little “sploosh” from pool by the waterfall; the day was warm enough for it to be enjoyable.

One of my favorite experiences as an observer of this trip, was when Maureen, the ELA teacher, read aloud the story of “Turtle Island” that was etched in the pavement stones arranged in a maze. The student’s followed her from one stone to the next, Maureen filling in the words of a broken stone along the way, until they reached the end and saw the statue of Sky Woman, standing on Turtle. 
This story of “Turtle Island” is especially relevant to ROCS, as the study of American Indians in Ohio is the learning theme this year, and has been incorporated into all their curriculum. Maureen mentioned having read about 15 versions of the “Turtle Island” this year, and it also happens to be the focus of the Chickadees’ (KG) ROCSfest dance this year.

In the end, the visit to the Inniswoods Metro Gardens was a morning well spent. Thank you again, Friends of Metro Parks for the opportunity to give our kids an excursion to remember.
-Celeste, ROCS mom

Photos by Nicole Gingerich