One of my favorite things about living in Mt. Lebanon is hearing about fun new programs and activities. Many of these programs aren’t exactly new — they’re just new to me.

For example, School in the Park has been running since 1985, but I just recently discovered it. Held annually, School in the Park is sponsored by the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy. It brings third graders from each of the seven elementary schools outside to learn about nature in Bird Park.

I volunteered with the program because my third grader wanted me to help with his class. I chose the bird station as my preferred teaching location. When I received the teaching materials, I admit I felt a little out of my element. I’m no teacher, and although I do enjoy birds, I’m far from a birder. I knew I had a lot of prepping to do before facing all of Washington Elementary’s third grade! I didn’t need to worry, however. School in the Park is well established and has a detailed curriculum for each of its five stations. In addition, volunteers are trained by the lead organizers and offered a chance to shadow more experienced teachers.

That’s how I found myself throwing on some old tennis shoes and heading over to Bird Park on a sunny Friday in May for a shadow session with Sarah Levinthal, who co-coordinates School in the Park, plus Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy member Lex Smith. Levinthal has coordinated School in the Park for eight years. I asked her to name her biggest reason for coming back. In response, she emphasized the community feel of the event.

“School in the Park engages the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy, volunteer instructors, teachers, high school students, third graders, parent chaperones, and more,” she said. “This program really brings the community together and we all benefit from the time spent immersed in the park.”

Sarah then guided me to the bird station. Upon observing the first group of third graders, I noticed their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. I thought that it must be such a joy for the students to have class outside. Indeed, volunteer parent Jessica Spitznagel noted that “School in the Park is a wonderful change of scenery for the third graders. It’s hands-on and informative and gets the kids out into nature right here in Lebo.” It’s a great change of scenery for us parents, too!

The students were particularly excited to dissect owl pellets, which are composed of non-digestible matter such as the fur and exoskeletons of owl prey. As I watched the students pull the pellets apart with sticks, I realized the educational value of the tactile exercise. Allowing the students to dissect actual owl pellets cemented the concept.

Student Dallas Moore said when he saw the owl pellets, he “learned that when they eat the rodents, they spit out their bones and skulls.” Dallas was admittedly reluctant to dissect the pellets. “It was pretty gross,” he said, “but after a little while, it was really fun and I got to see jaws and bones.” I had just as much fun as Dallas. I love owls, but didn’t know anything about their pellets, so I learned a lot from the experience. Nature is so interesting!

My kids have all kinds of questions, all the time, about every imaginable thing. They can’t believe that after finishing all the required years of school, I still don’t have all the answers. But, as parents, we know there’s always more to learn. If you want to become more educated about the great outdoors and its inhabitants, while meeting some amazing volunteers, check out opportunities with School in the Park. The students would love to see you out there!

To learn more about volunteering with School in the Park, please visit lebonature.org.