Nature and Community
10/23/2025
The events offered opportunities for Bluffton University to build stronger connections with the Village of Bluffton, while nurturing curiosity about the environment. Partnerships like this help strengthen Bluffton’s ties to the surrounding community and build relationships that benefit both local students and the university.
Bluffton hosts hands-on outdoor education for local students
Bluffton University recently welcomed second- and seventh-grade students from Bluffton elementary and middle school for two days of hands-on outdoor education experiences at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve and Little Riley Creek.
Led by Jacob Buchanan, assistant professor of environmental science and M'della Moon Endowed Chair in Botany and Environmental Science, the program introduced younger learners to the wonders of the natural world through direct exploration and discovery.
“I believe that environmental education is critically important for all kids, starting as young as is practical,” Buchanan explained. “This was the first outdoor education lesson that I’ve led explicitly for kids, and I hope to offer this sort of programming regularly to more schools in our region.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, seventh graders collected and identified stream invertebrates in Little Riley Creek. Using nets and identification keys, students found a surprising variety of aquatic life — even with low water levels.
Two days later, second graders explored the trails and pond at the Moyer Nature Center as part of a “Backyard Naturalist” lesson focused on identifying living and nonliving things.
“I was surprised by the number and variety of critters we found in the creek, considering how dry it was,” said Buchanan. “With the second graders, I was surprised at how much they were attracted to the giant snail shells,” he continued. “I see those all the time and pay them no mind, but to the kids, those were the coolest thing!”
The events offered opportunities for Bluffton University to build stronger connections with the Village of Bluffton, while nurturing curiosity about the environment. Partnerships like this help strengthen Bluffton’s ties to the surrounding community and build relationships that benefit both local students and the university.
“This helps build a stronger relationship between our university, local schools and the broader community,” said Buchanan. “Events like these are a fantastic vehicle for our university’s students and employees to work directly with local kids and to give back to the community.”
Looking ahead, Buchanan hopes to expand Bluffton’s outdoor education offerings as part of broader nature preserve programming.
“I’ve been trying to build up regular community programming at the nature preserve, and this is an important piece of that,” he said. “My events have been aimed at and attended by mostly college students and adult community members. Getting people out into nature is the goal—and kids who care about nature become adults who care about nature.”
When asked what part of the experience was most enjoyable, Buchanan didn’t hesitate.
“I enjoyed how interested and engaged the kids were,” he said. “Even if kids spend more time indoors these days, they still love playing outside in nature. I’m happy that we can provide a space for them to do that.”
For Buchanan, this year’s lessons are just beginning. Thanks to help from the Protect the Planet Grant from Cenovus Energy, events like this outdoor education experience and more can be experienced by the Bluffton campus and village community.
“I want to make this a regular program,” Buchanan added. “At the very least, I can imagine hosting a few classes out here every semester. If anyone wants to bring a group here for a lesson, let me know!"