To enhance their study on trees, the 6th grade class headed to the Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach on Tuesday, September 23.

The Shipley Nature Center is a refuge that values preserving our native plants and animals.  The center was named after and dedicated to Donald Shipley, former mayor of Huntington Beach.

The 6th grade class set off to the Shipley Nature Center early Tuesday morning.  The students commenced their tour by talking about the building and naming of the Shipley Nature Center.  After the introduction, the students embarked on their tour of nature.

The class planned this excursion to learn more about the trees they studied and observed them physically.   The group quickly learned much more than facts. They also learned that humans are losing their present day treasures by destroying forests and natural environments.

The trip was enjoyed by most, but some 6th graders thought that it was boring.  Everyone had a favorite part of the tour, the girls with the butterflies and the boy with the spiders.  A. Chu, J. Doan, and A. Truong rated the trip as “boring” with the exception of the butterflies.  A couple students thought that is was fun due to the fact that they partially escaped from school.

The Shipley Nature Center is a refuge for local wildlife and enables neighboring residents to study their environment.  The center is trying to maintain the species of the present for future generations to enjoy.  Preserving the species may be tough but the staff and volunteers enjoy  their tasks at hand.