READ class sees Maymont’s black bear!

Last fall my classes studied native Richmond trees and their leaves, but it was late November and a bit cold for an outdoor field trip.  So, we started planning to visit Maymont in the Spring. Students explored travel routes from students’ homes/jobs to Maymont via Google Maps.  The forecast was gloriously sunny and warm.  We planned a tour for each class:  11:30-1:30 and 2:00-4:00 with a joint lunch for both classes to come together.  

The students investigated the herb garden, where we identified herbs such as rosemary, fennel, marjoram, and oregano; rubbed their scent on our fingers; and enjoyed their aromas.  We had talked about a pergola in class, but no definition is better than the first-hand experience of walking underneath one.

We stopped for a picture in front of the Waterfall, then left the Japanese garden to walk along the railroad tracks and identified some trees, including Japanese maples and white oaks.

We witnessed a rare treat - Maymont’s black bear was sleeping out in the open for all to see.

Some of the students, who had never been to Maymont, stayed for both tours. It’s become a beautiful memory for all of us.