Second graders at Sag Harbor Elementary School recently enjoyed a fun and educational field trip to the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, led by the Group for the East End and organized by their science teacher, Adrian Drake.

According to second grade teacher April Carone, this annual trip gives students the opportunity to explore nature up close. As they walked along the trail, second graders utilized checklists to identify different animals and plants with help from their tour guide.

Students spotted cardinals—learning that red ones are males and brown ones are females—as well as chickadees, turkeys and ducks. They identified squirrels and their nests as well as deer. A highlight of the trip included learning how to spot poison ivy and discovering the importance of trees, including fallen ones, which provide shelter for many creatures.

Another fascinating find was skunk cabbage, a plant with a strong smell that keeps it from being eaten. Students also observed streams and searched for frogs during their walk.

“It was a wonderful experience,” said Carone. “Our students learned so much about the natural world around them.”