"academe- among the groves. 1 a place of instruction : school. b academic life or community, or world of academia." Merriam Webster Among the groves near the ancient city of Athens the philosopher, Plato, met with other scholars for instruction and discussion. Plato called the grove the academe which is where we get the word academy. Here in this grove, alongside this creek, scores of small scholars gather for instruction and discussion. Classes are held in the spring and fall led by savvy volunteer educators. They meet at the classroom with its large covered shelter. Some accompany their leader out along the trails. Others gather at the deck overlooking Maxwelton Creek. Each site has a learning station that engages the students in scientific study. They may measure the velocity of the water, observe birds along the trail, or study the life cycle of salmon at the classroom. They might collect microinvertabrates and study them under a microscope. Or make spore prints with mushrooms. Different age appropriate lessons are used according to the season. This academy can be a busy place this time of year. I came late in the day after mowing grass and weeding raspberries in the hot sun. The excited voices of teachers and students had withdrawn by then. I parked next to a huge skillfully crafted salmon at the entrance that sprang from the shrubbery. The trail led me to the classroom where I peered inside to see a large mural, bookshelves, tables and chairs like any classroom. Then around the picnic shelter I found posters of native plants, a worm bin, and a sign on trail etiquette. Around back a large maple’s wide spread branches stood like a nurturing mother with a circle of benches below. Sunlight set the canopy dazzling in brilliance. A tour of the trail showed how it had changed over time. This was not just a loop trail, these are the halls of academia. A set of benches at a turn in the trail was set up for a small group to gather and study just above the creek. Another set of benches offered yet another opportunity to sit and observe. There were tags on native plants along the way. My favorite, wild lily of the valley, disappears completely in the winter, but like magic, emerges and carpets both sides of the trail in the spring. It was in full flower as I made my way toward the boardwalk. Elevated above the wetland, I was surrounded by salmonberry bushes and skunk cabbage. Alders leaned in overhead sheltering songbirds. My footsteps sounded softly on the surface. Turning the corner, the boardwalk led to a covered deck with benches and a railing that overlooks the creek. The refreshing sound of gurgling water was inviting. I rolled up my pant legs, took off my shoes and stepped in. They used to call this Pepsi Cola creek because its dark brown from the peat tannins up the valley and it’s foamy. The foam collects in the corners and reminds me of a root beer float. Some may think it’s pollution but the color and the foam is completely natural, as any 5th grader who has been coming to the Outdoor Classroom for years, could attest. Standing in the creek completely revived me. The lush green vegetation soothed my soul. And the songs of wren and warbler made me grateful for the many small and wondrous things around me. I sat by the water awhile and took it all in. This is a precious place of natural peace and quiet, at least after school is out. Maribeth The Outdoor Classroom is busy with classes in spring except on Wednesdays and on weekends. It’s owned by the South Whidbey School District and the educational programs are run by the Whidbey Watershed Stewards, a private non-profit. Volunteer teachers and assistants are welcome. For details click here. Directions: From Highway 525 3.3 miles north of Clinton, or 6 miles south of Freeland, turn south at the light onto Maxwelton Road and go 3.5 miles. Just before French Road you’ll see the sign for the Outdoor Classroom on the left.
Bus and Bike: Island Transit’s Route 1 bus runs along Highway 525 and stops at Maxwelton Road. It’s an easy 3 mile bike ride to the Outdoor Classroom with wide shoulders and is almost level most of the way. Please wear something bright while riding a bike along the road. Mobility: This loop trail is short and an easy stroll with several places to sit along the way. Trails are a bit narrow for a wheelchair or mobility device.
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Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
May 2024
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