Foraging at Mill Bend Preserve

From Outdoor Education Specialist, Therese Regonini

The entire Forager flock enjoyed a potent morning field-trip at Mill Bend Preserve on December 17, 2024. Inspired by the place “where the water flows down,” staff invited open-ended observations based on the location–textures, temperatures, reflections and shadows, and imaginative play. 

Immediately, everyone was drawn to the stones. From their colors and ways to sort them, to the entertaining splash when they land in the Gualala River. Smaller groups naturally broke off, where student’s focused on their individual fascinations. 

Some tracked raccoon footprints in the sand, others built rings of driftwood with red-hued rocks acting as fire in the center. They chased the rise and fall of the tide, created collaborative drawings in the mud, and much more. The learning outcomes from our explorations fostered each Forager’s identity, creativity, and sense wonder- not to mention that of the adults’ as well. 

The crew returned to school with high morale after Mill Bend; it was a successful morning that blended science, fantasy, and environment.