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Nature Explorers: Over 230 children in three years

INTO THE WILD!

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Thirty-nine rambunctious students from Sherman Middle School, teamed with 18 mentors from UW-Madison, began the sixth semester of Nature Explorers on Feb. 6, 2013.

In three years the program has introduced more than 150 middle school students and more than 70 UW undergraduates to the wonders of Warner Park’s wild side.

The student teams explore the park, learning about life and death and the beauty of nature.

A Sherman Middle school student shows off a raccoon jaw he found in the dog park to his UW mentors.
A Sherman Middle school student shows off a raccoon jaw he found in the dog park to his UW mentors. (Jack Kloppenburg)

After exploring the park, the group gathers beneath the 250-year Bur Oak to share their treasures, and thoughts.

The Sharing Tree (Paul Noeldner)
The Sharing Tree (Paul Noeldner)
Two middle school students show off their "Warner Park Snow Bird." (Paul Noeldner)
Two middle school students show off their “Warner Park Snow Bird.” (Paul Noeldner)

The unique class was created by PhD candidate Trish O’Kane and is co-taught by Professor Jack Kloppenberg.

Students "painted" the Bur Oak with a snow heart for Valentine's Day (Jack Kloppenburg)
Students “painted” the Bur Oak with a snow heart for Valentine’s Day (Jack Kloppenburg)