“Rooted” In Henderson County
By Shannon Lally
Mountain Roots Wraps up their First Year Partnering with HCPS: Connecting Students to Science and Nature Through Outdoor Learning
Mountain Roots, Inc. is thrilled to celebrate a highly successful first year partnering with Henderson County Public Schools! Through hands-on, outdoor-based education, this collaboration has been bringing science to life for 5th-grade students across the district, engaging them in real-world applications of North Carolina’s Science Essential Standards (SEPs). And the year isn’t over yet—there’s still more learning and exploration to come!
Bringing Science to Life Outdoors
Over the 2024-25 school year, Mountain Roots has provided three on-site programs and two immersive field trips(despite Hurricane Helene’s interruption) for all 5th-grade students across Henderson County’s 13 elementary schools. These experiences were carefully designed to complement classroom learning while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
Students explored key science concepts, including:
-Weather & Climate – Observing atmospheric conditions and learning how weather patterns affect ecosystems.
-Matter & Its Properties – Conducting experiments with natural materials to understand states of matter and chemical reactions.
-Forces & Motion – Engaging in interactive activities that demonstrated physics principles in action.
-Local Ecosystems – Exploring nearby natural areas to study biodiversity, food webs, and the human impact on local habitats.
With each session, students not only gained academic knowledge but also developed problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a greater appreciation for the environment.
A Year of Growth and Discovery
From schoolyards to public lands, this partnership has helped students see their surroundings as living classrooms. Educators and students alike have praised the program for its engaging approach to science education. When asked about her experience chaperoning Mountain Roots trips this year, Jill Maynard—a 4th grade teacher at Atkinson Elementary and parent of a 5th grade student participating in the program—had this to say: “Mountain Roots gave my students and daughter the kind of learning we all dream of—hands-on, standards-based, and fully engaging. It brought science to life in a way that stuck with them far beyond the field trip. As both a teacher and a parent, I was thrilled to see the joy and curiosity it sparked.”. By stepping outside of traditional classroom settings, students become scientists, explorers, and environmental stewards—all while having fun!
Looking Ahead
Mountain Roots looks forward to continuing this exciting partnership in the years to come, expanding opportunities for outdoor learning in Henderson County. The success of this year’s program highlights the value of hands-on, experiential education, and we are eager to build on this momentum in future school years.
If your school or district is interested in bringing outdoor education programs like these to your students, there are still a few spaces available for the 25-26 school year! Reach out to learn more about how Mountain Roots can customize an outdoor learning experience for your students.
For educators and families interested in getting involved, stay connected with Mountain Roots:
Website: www.mountainroots.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainrootsinc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountain_roots_nc/
Thank you to all the educators, students, and community members who have made this year such a success—we can’t wait for another year of learning and adventure!
