Fieldwork sometimes actually means working in a field, but in the case of students at Greensburg Salem Middle School, it means working in the woods. Teams of seventh graders spent part of their spring term designing and building the Lynch Field Nature Trail in the wooded area above the pool at Lynch Field in Greensburg. The nature trail is the most recent of the efforts undertaken by the Lynch Field Partnership Project (LFPP).
LFPP was formed in 1997 to promote ongoing interdisciplinary plan, community-based science-learning programs for students while helping to repair Jacks Run and create an environmental resource center at Lynch Field. Along with Greensburg Salem Middle School, partners include Sewickley Creek Watershed Association, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Allegheny Power, Westmoreland Conservation District, Westmoreland County Community College, the City of Greensburg, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Penn's Comer RC&D, Western PA Watershed Protection Program, and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.
Students began the trail by walking through the woods and determining the pathways. Then the real work started, cutting back weeds, picking up trash, moving natural debris, and hauling and spreading wood chips. New features were added to the trail as opportunities presented themselves to the seventh graders including a compost pile and an outside classroom using discarded stumps as seats.
When completed, the trail will boast natural habitats for animals, bird and squirrel boxes, feeding areas for wildlife, learning stations, and the introduction of indigenous trees currently missing from the area. Station posts will mark the trail and a printed guide will be available for general public use.
Eventually students from all three grades at the Middle School will be involved in part of the Lynch Field Project. Previously, sixth grade students created butterfly gardens and flower beds that current and future sixth grade classes will maintain and expand. The current eighth grade class will research, design, and produce the natural trail guide. Greensburg Salem School District is committed to offering its students interdisciplinary, opportunities and community-based instruction. The Lynch Field Partnership Project is a perfect example of how schools, environmental organizations, and industry can work together to provide effective educational experiences.
As such the Association shall use its resources to educate the citizens of the watershed as to sound environmental practices. In addition, the Association will seek out and cooperate with government agencies, interested organizations, businesses and individuals to implement programs to improve water quality and encourage proper land use.