Earlier this Winter, on February 16th, the National Wildlife Federation “Earth Tomorrow” program took a field day at Boat Rock Preserve. About two dozen students from five schools in the Atlanta Metro area came out to enjoy a day of activities, hiking and climbing demonstrations. After a short introduction to the SCC’s history with the Boat Rock climbing area and Preserve, the students began their tour of the forest to learn about the environment and greenspace issues. The students were first introduced to the boulders with a brief overview of general climbing techniques by Will Ecclestion, followed by a demonstration of crack climbing by resident hardwomen Josipa Kukucka.

Tim Wommick of the National Tree Trust is an environmental educator that roams the US giving interactive presentations concerning the social, environmental and economic value of trees. In one hour students were engaged in tree “dress up,” call and response, and some tree based comedy, all geared toward sustainable use of forests, conservation, and jobs in environmental studies.

Dr.Cheryl Young of Mays High School in Atlanta gave a presentation on the geology of the Boat Rock granite. Each student collected a rock, and Dr. Young described a brief geological history of their find.

The day was capped by a hike through the forest and around the lake. The students learned the ID of the different species of trees and plants within the Preserve, and noted the effects of the drought on the area’s lake.

Overall, the students had a great day learning about the forest, the environment, the unique geology at Boat Rock and got to do a little bit of climbing too.

Note: Special thanks to the Tim Wommick (National Tree Trust), Dr. Cheryl
Young (Mays High School) and Team Boat Rock for helping to educate young
people on environmental issues at Boat Rock.

By Pandra Williams and Brad McLeod