The Manchester Township Middle School (MTMS) Eco Explorers Club started off its second year with the Pine Barrens Discovery Tour. Led by a team of Pinelands Adventures Guides, students took part in a nature walk along the Mullica River and through the Atlantic White Cedar swamps.
At various points along the trail, students stopped to learn about native wildlife and historical cranberry bogs. Following the “Leave No Trace” rule, explorers still had an opportunity to observe birds, butterflies, caterpillars, frogs, spiders, and a variety of plants and fungi along the water's edge. The trail guides took time to explain how local plants and animals interact with one another, and the environment around them, to thrive.
Toward the end of the trip, the Eco Explorers split into teams to undergo a scavenger hunt, putting together everything that they had learned and testing their knowledge of the habitat. They also had the opportunity to skim a pond and safely collect small insects, fish, and amphibians from the water’s edge. Among the catches of the day was a six-spotted fishing spider, who was released back into the swampland as students began their journey back to the bus.
By exploring the great outdoors and undergoing hands-on experiences with local plants and wildlife, students broaden their understanding of the world that surrounds us. The natural environment drives their natural curiosity and shows them how education can expand far beyond four walls.
The MTMS Eco Explorers have a variety of outings scheduled for the 2026-2027 school year, all made possible through the efforts of MTMS educators Kristine Laporte, Susan Morgan, and Michael Balog, who worked tirelessly to attain funding for these trips with the NJEA Hipp Grant and a generous donation from Tilton Body Works in Lakewood.