OUTDOOR NATURE TRAIL UNVEILING AT BONNIE GENTRY ELEMENTARY

On the morning of Friday, October 9, Keep Mesquite Beautiful along with the Mesquite ISD Education Foundation, City of Mesquite, Mesquite Independent School District and Lowes unveiled the new Gentry Elementary Nature Trail at Bonnie Gentry Elementary School in Mesquite, Texas. The trail is ½ mile and features ten signs and a trailhead. Signage includes topics on the food chain, water cycle, nitrogen cycle and renewable and reusable resources.

Research has shown that “Children Learn What They Live.” Students often have trouble visualizing scientific terms and their meanings. Concepts “Click” much better when the written word is presented with the process in life. Books are good to introduce the terms, but experience enhances understanding. Lessons aligned with TAKS objectives have been written for each area of the trail.

During the unveiling Mayor Monaco and MISD Superintendent Dr. Henrie both spoke about the future benefits of the Gentry Elementary Nature Trail. With Beverly Murray-Ferrell’s vision, a Gentry Elementary science teacher, the nature trail came to life. All parties involved believe the nature trail will have a positive impact on both adults and children.

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