CRAFT grows with Pre-K students
By Sophia Rosenbach ‘26
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons do not happen in a classroom at all. This fall, CRAFT Immersive Semester students took learning outside by teaming up with Jacquelyn Thomason's pre-k class at Woodstock Elementary School to help restore Mt. Peg’s trails. Together, they worked to protect the trails of Mt. Peg by researching and planting native plants that can help reduce erosion, are deer-resistant, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. The project began in class, where CRAFT students investigated a variety of local plant species that could help address concerns such as reducing erosion and protecting habitats. With support from teachers and local environmental resources, students identified which plants would thrive on the steep terrain while strengthening the trail’s long-term health.
Next came the teamwork. As a next step, CRAFT students visited the Pre-K classroom to introduce the young learners to these plants by explaining what native plants are, how they differ, and why they are crucial to an ecosystem. These concerns and concepts were then applied to rotating learning stations. Each station included a slide with images and simple bullets about each plant, designed to inform preschoolers and help them understand how native plants support the environment. The goal was simple: make this experience engaging, fun, and accessible for everyone.
A week later, both groups met again; this time, outdoors on Mt. Peg. Students worked together in small teams to plant the species they had studied, transforming their research into real-world action. The Pre-K kids dug, planted, and learned right alongside their older student mentors, proudly contributing to the trails they love to explore. This collaboration showcased what can happen when education goes beyond the classroom: students of all ages gaining confidence, forming community connections, and making a positive environmental impact. The CRAFT students hope the plants they installed will grow strong and help keep the trail safe and sustainable for years to come.
* This project is also supported by the Equitable Climate Action Project program of the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative.
Photo by Max Grudzinski