The Baylor-Tubman Partnership: Introducing Children to the Gorge...and the Nature

Last year, an impassioned Trust Board Member composed a twelve-week pilot project based on the importance of our local environment, the land and all of its inhabitants. Each week, students from Baylor School's Community Service Program made on-sight visits to the One Room Schoolhouse at the Tubman Housing Project to spend time with elementary students. With lesson plan in hand, the students spent time discussing and learning about various topics such as recycling, pollution and the importance of responsible land stewardship.

A celebration of this educational partnership was held early this year when parents and students from Baylor School & the Harriet Tubman Homes gathered at the historic Pot Point Cabin for a chance to experience the Gorge first hand. The morning began with activities that brought a smile to the faces of kids and parents alike. After snacks, the students went on a hike where many experienced nature for the first time.

 

Urban League Field Trip: National Achiever's Society Serves the Gorge

An enthusiastic group of twenty students from the Urban League's National Achiever's Society visited the Gorge for a day of learning, fun and service in early 2007. This trip helped us kick off an exciting year of education at the Tennessee River Gorge Trust.

James McKissic, Vice President of Programs for the Urban League of Chattanooga, who organized the event along with TRGT staff, said he wanted the experience in the Gorge to give students "a better understanding of the Tennessee Valley's Natural Resources, the variety of nonprofit and community organizations serving the environment and also expose [them] to careers in conservation and environmental studies."

When their work was done, the group hiked to the slough, which is a miniature wetland where water is cleaned before entering the river. The day ended beautifully, with eager questions and answers generated by the hike.