Nature Studies Blog - Arborbrook Christian Academy Nature Studies Blog Post RSS Feeds Subscribe to Post Alerts ACA Annual Plant Sale! Carina Brossy Apr 15 2026 Mark your calendars for the 2026 Arborbrook Plant Sale on Grandparents and Special Friends Day - Thursday, April 30th. This year features dozens of flowering perennials, herbs, bulbs and house plants. We also have a v ery special selection of perennial flowers transplanted and repotted from the ACA gardens by our wonderful 6th grade nature studies students Also for the very first time, we'll feature a NEW Arborbrook Gardens farmers' market tote bag! about ACA Annual Plant Sale! Building Nests Without Fingers: A STEM Challenge Carina Brossy Apr 2026 Have you noticed? Lately, it seems birds are filling the skies, trees, and even power lines in search of mates and nesting materials. Birds that were once “on vacation” in their winter migratory locations are now back in town. If you listen closely, you may hear baby birds* chirping during the day or the louder calls of owls in the evening. It’s all part of the miracle of spring—God’s promise of new life reflected throughout His creation. To complement spring’s burst of bird activity, third graders examined several bird nests, paying close attention to their sizes and the natural and man-made materials woven throughout. Students were surprised to find that most nests are incredibly sturdy, with distinct and intentional layers. How can a bird, without hands, construct such a marvel? To highlight the unique capabilities of birds, students were challenged to build their own nests—without using their fingers. Their only tools were a pair of chopsticks. It took time, patience, creativity, and teamwork, but in the end, students created nests they were proud of. Still, we agree: birds, with their uniquely crafted beaks, remain the true master builders. Found a baby bird outside of its nest? Read the article below for help. What to do if you find a baby bird, injured or orphaned wildlife? about Building Nests Without Fingers: A STEM Challenge Spring is for Potatoes and Sweetpotatoes…Kind Of Carina Brossy Mar 25 2026 Despite both having the word “potato” in their names, Irish potatoes and sweetpotatoes are two VERY different vegetables. Spring is a great time to plant Irish, or white, potato seeds (i.e., Russet, Yukon, Adirondack, etc.) for an early summer harvest, while sweetpotatoes are summer lovers and need to be planted in late May to mid-June for an early fall harvest. There are many varieties of Irish, or white, potatoes, and the best way to plant them is to acquire certified seed potatoes from your local nursery. Renfrow Hardware still has a few varieties left. Irish/White Potatoes Sow your potatoes in loose, well-drained soil and follow spacing and trenching recommendations . There is nothing more satisfying than digging up these delicious tubers at the end of the season. Can we say French fries!? Sweetpotatoes…Kind Of Planting sweetpotatoes in early summer requires that you either purchase sweetpotato slips (similar to a large morning glory vine) from a nursery OR start the slips yourself using the method below. The latter option yields a lot more plants for the money but takes time, which is why now is the time to get started. Fourth graders worked on their “sweetpotato slip-making” this week. They now have six sweetpotatoes suspended in jars of water set by a sunny window. For fun, students drew faces and named each of their prized vegetables. Now comes the waiting. As the slips grow off the sweetpotatoes and climb toward the sun, their veggie subjects will look like they’re growing hair—how fun! Each slip will later be plucked off and planted in the Arborbrook gardens for three months of hot summer growth. Next year’s fourth graders will enjoy an unforgettable harvest in September. How often do we “reap the benefits” of someone else’s sowing!? Happy planting! HOW TO GROW Sweetpotatoes from Slips 1. Place each sweetpotato tuber in a jar or glass and use toothpicks to keep tubers suspended above the bottom. 2. Fill with water, making sure that at least half of the tuber is out of the water. 3. Now comes the important part: add the face and give it a name. Write the name on a piece of tape and tape it to the container. 4. Place your tubers somewhere warm. The windowsill is ideal. Within a few days, you will see roots start to bud. Then after a week or two, shoots and leaves emerge. These are your slips. *You must use organically grown sweetpotatoes in order for the slip to sprout. about Spring is for Potatoes and Sweetpotatoes…Kind Of The “Weeds” That Wake Up Spring Carina Brossy Mar 11 2026 I love this time of year. Winter’s heavy curtain is slowly retracting, and the first actors to step on stage fill our hearts with springtime hope—if we know what to look for. If we’re too busy waiting for showy azaleas and the handsome blooms of dogwoods, we might miss the most precious performers in the opening act. I call them the early spring carpet plants . Cue the dandelions, onion grass, purple henbit, blue bird’s-eye speedwell, clovers, purple dead nettle, cleavers (also known as sticky weed), wood sorrel, and more. At first glance, these tiny plants may seem boring—or even annoying. Our sleepy lawns seem to awaken overnight with plants we never planted. But that’s okay with me. Our bee friends have been waiting all winter for the first nectar-filled blooms of the season, and it’s the wildflowers they reach first. Love at first sight. This week, students jumped at the chance to examine these early arrivals. We tasted the delicate nectar drops in tiny henbit flowers, nibbled spicy onion grass, and used dandelion blooms to add pigment to paper. Fun fact: both dandelion greens and flowers can be steeped in tea and are often used for gentle detoxing. Another early spring bloomer we love to hate is the Bradford pear. Highly invasive—and notoriously stinky—these trees were planted across North Carolina for their showy white blossoms. We have one on campus, and every spring it puts on quite a display. Gorgeous flowers, unforgettable smell. Well… you can’t have everything. about The “Weeds” That Wake Up Spring Hit the Trails this Spring Break! Carina Brossy Feb 25 2026 Looking to get outside more this spring break? Staying in town for some R&R? "Staycations" offer the perfect low-key opportunity to explore nature parks with your family. And with spring on the way, now is a great time to get outdoors! Despite living in one of the fastest growing states in the country, there are still plenty of green spaces to check out this spring. Here is a small list to get you started. These parks and preserves are perfect for children of all ages. Gardens & Botanical Beauties UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens – Calm botanical gardens with collections of native and exotic plant species, greenhouse exhibits, woodland sections, and interpretive signage — free admission and open daily at daylight. McGill Rose Garden – A hidden city garden showcasing 100+ varieties of roses, fountains, benches and shaded paths — one of the few All-America Rose public gardens in North Carolina. Daniel Stowe Conservancy (Belmont) – Formerly Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, now a 380-acre conservancy with formal gardens, fountains, woodland trails, adventure paths, lakefront routes, and 8+ miles of nature trails. Wing Haven - Tucked into the heart of Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood, Wing Haven is a charming three-acre garden and bird sanctuary rich in history, horticulture, and wildlife habitat. The site includes a charming children's garden and exploration area. Nature Preserves, Centers & Trails McDowell Nature Preserve (Charlotte): Large preserve on Lake Wylie with forest hikes, waterfront trails, campsites, fishing, and paddling access. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve (Charlotte): One of the area’s best natural retreats with miles of wooded trails, ponds, picnic areas, and wildlife habitat — a must for hikers and nature lovers. Stevens Creek Nature Preserve (Mint Hill): A peaceful 280+-acre nature sanctuary nestled along Stevens Creek in Mint Hill, perfect for families, hikers, and nature lovers of all ages. Cane Creek Park (Waxhaw): A crown jewel of Union County with a large lake (350 acres), scenic walking and multi-use trails, picnic areas, fishing, boating access, disc golf, and playgrounds. Trail systems here link into Carolina Thread Trail segments. Beyond Mecklenburg and Union County If you want a day-trip hike or outdoor adventure a bit further out (within ~1 hour): Anne Springs Close Greenway (Fort Mill) – Expansive nature trails, forests, ropes bridges and scenic spots. Crowders Mountain State Park – Ridge summit views and rock outcrops (a popular regional hike). about Hit the Trails this Spring Break! From Wander to Wonder: Hunting for Animal Tracks Carina Brossy Feb 11 2026 What a treat to see our little pocket of earth covered in snow! Beyond hours of sledding and reveling in the sparkling landscape, I hope your student explored the curious tracks and impressions created by animal movements in the snow. In my own yard, I found myself wondering what or who left each track. In nature studies we often discuss the power of observation and the need to wonder . Third-grade nature study students spent time after our snow event wandering through the woods in search of tracks. Most years students can spot tracks on the muddy forest floor. We typically identify deer, opossum, raccoon, cat and squirrel tracks. What a special occasion this winter to spot tracks in the leftover snow. Spend some time with your child this month using the power of observation to identify tracks in your own yard or local park. Ask your student the following questions: What animal do you think left these tracks? In what direction was it going? Was it walking or possibly running? How do you know? Is there a difference in size between a front print and hind print? Do you see any claw marks in these tracks? Interested in diving deeper with animal tracks and signs? Check out https://naturetracking.com about From Wander to Wonder: Hunting for Animal Tracks Five Key Things to Know Before Starting a Garden Carina Brossy Jan 28 2026 January and early February are the perfect months to plan a new garden. I personally find myself dreaming of the what, when, and where of my own garden during the cold, darker days of winter. If you’re starting from scratch or wondering how to improve or expand your garden, consider these top five must-knows for successful cultivation. 1. Sunlight Matters Before planting anything, observe your space and note where the sun hits throughout the day. Most fruits and vegetables need ample sun (6–8 hours) throughout the day. Some prefer more morning sun versus afternoon sun. Take inventory of what you want to plant, their sunlight needs, and plan the location of your garden accordingly. 2. Soil, Soil, Soil Healthy soil = healthy plants. Adding compost or organic matter can dramatically improve poor soil and boost plant growth. For larger spaces, consider ordering your soil and/or compost in bulk. Delivery fees will add to the expense, but borrowing a truck from a friend or neighbor would be ideal. Most supply companies will charge close to $40 per cubic yard (a pickup truck full). This is much cheaper than buying individual bags from Lowe’s or Home Depot. 3. Access to Water Learn how often your plants need water and aim for deep, consistent watering, preferably in the morning. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Refer back to soil quality. 4. Protection It goes without saying that we have a lot of deer in our area. Just like humans, deer (and rabbits) LOVE veggies, fruits and flowers. Protection is key. You can have the best soil, water, and sun, but if deer get into your garden, your plans for a healthy harvest are over. Don’t underestimate them. We maintain a 7-foot fence around our garden in our pocket of suburbia. The bottom portion is wrapped in a foot of chicken wire for equally hungry rabbits. Even if you never see wildlife in your yard, once the plants are in, the critters will come. Invest in good fencing. Don’t depend on “deer resistant” varieties of anything — they love to taste-test. 5. Scale with the Season Think about spacing, plant height, growth habits (planting zones), and future maintenance when planning your space. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and light. On that note, be sure to plant with correct seasonal timing. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map , Mecklenburg and Union counties are located in Zone 8a, which indicates when to plant certain fruits and vegetables. Don’t be fooled by when Lowe’s sets out its seedlings. Most are put out for sale too early and left out too late in the season. Looking for a more in-depth planting guide? Check out the NCSU Cooperative Extension Garden Planting Calendar It’s cold now, but spring will be here before you know it. If you’re hoping to plant a spring garden, you’re just a few days to weeks away. If you’ve always felt like your green thumb was more brown, it’s time to give it another go with a new set of knowledge, skills, and resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions: carina.brossy@arborbrook.org about Five Key Things to Know Before Starting a Garden Dusting for God's Fingerprints Carina Brossy Jan 14 2026 January invites our nature studies students to “dust for the fingerprints of God” in our school woods. Even in the dead of winter, the forest floor is alive with quiet activity—if you know where to look. This past fall marked a mast year for oak trees in our area, a rare season when oaks produce an abundant crop of acorns. This week, students discovered what happens after those acorns fall and are tucked beneath autumn leaves: the space between soil and leaf litter creates the perfect moist environment for germination. A mast year provides not only food for animals, but also the regeneration of the forest itself. Students were amazed to uncover hundreds of acorns at different stages of growth. Some had just begun to sprout, while others had sent roots deep into the soil. I watched them squeal with delight as they held a future forests in the palm of their hands. I was humbled to realize the divine order and complexity of the forest. It’s no coincidence that acorns drop first THEN the leaves fall on top. The forest has a built-in compost system to feed the newest members of its ecosystem. One first grader asked if he could take home a sprouting acorn to plant in his yard. When I asked why, he said he hoped to climb its branches someday. I told him he might be an old man by then. He didn’t mind. It reminded me of the Greek proverb: “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” Parenting and teaching often mean investing in growth we may never fully see.  Let’s not grow weary in creating a rich environment for spiritual and academic growth even if we cannot fully witness the outcome. What we do today in our homes and school lays the groundwork for a whole forest of future believers. And maybe, with God’s grace, we can take a peek at His good work behind the scenes – seeds of faith and learning taking root. about Dusting for God's Fingerprints Is There Salad in Heaven? Carina Brossy Dec 10 2025 The week before Thanksgiving, students harvested their salad greens and radishes for another outstanding series of salad parties. Even after decades of home gardening, I remain inspired by the humble beginnings of a single small seed. This sense of wonder is not lost on our younger students. The thrill of the harvest and the excitement of that first bite of salad elicit squeals of delight. At times, there are competitions to see who can eat the most bowls of salad, while reluctant eaters take pride in their first sliver of a bite. Students typically eat and socialize during the celebrations, and I love overhearing the conversations from our younger harvesters. While chopping up our next bowl of salad, I overheard a group of first graders in a deep theological conversation. With mouths slathered in salad dressing, they explained to each other how awesome heaven will be and how, in heaven, you can eat ANYTHING you want. There was a GREAT consensus that when they get to heaven, they will eat salad all day, every day! Did you know there is salad in heaven?? Well, I was enlightened and so moved by their deep conviction of what joyful eternity tastes like. What a special eavesdrop. Now that the harvest is over and bellies and minds are edified, what’s next? As my older students have learned, we never let soil sit unattended. Now is a great time to put your vegetable gardens to rest by covering your soil with leaf litter, straw, or even a winter cover crop. You can even pull out old veggies and let them decompose right on the soil. We will cover our 14 raised beds with chopped-up leaves in the next few days, saying our final farewells until we sow again in February. Let heaven and nature sing as we quiet the gardens and turn our attention to the rest of creation this winter season. What would the Lord share with us in the quiet? Despite the busy holidays, the natural world welcomes this restful time. Let’s take our cues from creation and consider how to quietly strengthen our hearts and minds as we cling to the Prince of Peace. about Is There Salad in Heaven? How to Become a Winter Bird Nerd Carina Brossy Nov 12 2025 “Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she hath wings.” – Victor Hugo I think my love of birds started with my first-grade teacher. On a field trip to a fossil dig near the dangerous phosphate quarries of Central Florida (it was the 80’s), my bird-loving first grade teacher made sure we could peer out from the school bus windows to count the massive osprey nests perched high on miles of telephone poles. She loved ospreys and right away so did I. Living in Central Florida, you either lived on or near a lake which accounted for our large osprey population. Incredible fisherman, ospreys are easily spotted with a talon full of fish. Their shriek (vocalization) is also easily identifiable and carries loudly across the water. When I turned nine, my family moved to a lakefront property, which gave me an even greater chance to observe not only ospreys but bald eagles, herons, cormorants, egrets and much more. I loved these birds but their presence wasn’t overly special – just a part of my daily landscape. I never grew up having bird feeders or birdhouses. We didn’t need them. As I transitioned to adult life in the Carolinas, I needed to learn a slightly different bird portfolio as well as new locations to spot birds. Cue the birdfeeders and birdhouses. I also needed to learn the migratory patterns of many species since Piedmont winters and springs signified new departure and arrival schedules. It can get a little nerdy, I know. As I age, I find myself rejoicing more and more over the first ruby-throated hummingbird arrival of the season. Does that mean I’m officially old? I would say no. It means I (and all my other bird-loving friends) are finding joy in God’s creation – a creation exploding with patterns, rhythms and symbolism. Like my first-grade teacher, my role is to cultivate this love of birds with my students. She’d be so proud. Winter birding is especially fun as students encounter migratory birds they may only spot for a few weeks or months out of the year. Over the past few weeks, third graders hit the trails in search of migratory birds in our woods. With a full set of binoculars awarded through citizen science program Project Explore , students listen for the vocalizations and visuals of the visiting yellow-bellied sapsuckers, ruby-crowned kinglets and hermit thrushes . Though not easy to find, both classes were rewarded with views of the sapsucker and the thrush. I spotted the little busy kinglet while moving through the woods with kindergarten earlier in the month. That little guy is harder to spot but definitely on third grade’s radar. Next time! To help us quickly identify vocalizations or even brief visuals, I use Cornell Lab Merlin App . I highly recommend this app for any novice or veteran bird lover. I’m sad to see our leafless trees, but birding abounds when we can clearly see into the empty canopies and bushes. So grab your binoculars, fill up your bird feeders and join the bird nerd bandwagon. You’ll be greatly rewarded. about How to Become a Winter Bird Nerd Finding Awe in Small Wonders Carina Brossy Oct 29 2025 It’s natural to stand in awe of a vibrant sunset or an expansive ocean vista. Last weekend my family hiked up to the rolling ridges of Graveyard Fields near the Blue Ridge Parkway of Canton, NC. The fall foliage was breathtaking while the far distant rolling mountain tops encompassed the “blue ridge” namesake. I was struck at first by the view, then my eyes hovered over the bright red berries of a Mountain Ash tree. As I focused in on my immediate surrounding, I realized that these windswept mountain tops were punctuated with charitable little red berries that lit up dozens of twiggy leafless trees. The wide vistas slowly disappeared as I found myself just taking photos of the berries. It made me reflect on our littlest nature studies students and their attention to small wonders. Before this well-needed rain set in, our kindergarteners walked our woods in search of different types of acorns. After a while, with pockets loaded with acorns, these little learners started to look up into the forest instead of down. Poised at the perfect kindergarten height, I tiny orb weaver spider had spun a delicate web that glowed in the morning sun. I love the look of awe on our students’ faces. Would I have noticed this exquisite beauty if I had not been with kindergarten students? During first grade nature studies, students were shocked to observe that some acorns could float while others would simply sink. Always curious, these little learners had the chance to consider this dichotomy while cracking open the floating acorns. To their joyful squeals, the floating acorns revealed tiny hungry grubs nestled inside. The whole earth stood still while students opened acorn after acorn naming each squishy grub with great benevolence. Such an engaging encounter for a seemingly small wonder. Even our sixth graders considered how the small details of leaf shape and leaf edging can help identify massive trees in the Arborbrook woods. Last week, local Union County scientist guided students through tree identification steps to better understand these forest assets. Sixth graders will partner with Project Explore to record and submit valuable data about their adopted trees, which will help local scientists understand the health of our county’s forest ecology. From observing a leaf’s edge to then serving as citizen scientists, our older learners are reminded that even the smallest observation has value. A fun exercise to do next time you’re walking down the road is take note of any weeds growing out of tiny cracks in the sidewalk. Overlooked and even despised, these small plants are truly wonders. How and why did that miniscule sidewalk crack seem like a good place to host life. And some plants actually thrive in these spaces. A small wonder, indeed! I couldn’t help but take a photo of a hearty little plant making this concrete landscape its home. Did the nearby one hundred-year-old White Oak sneer at such an insignificant representation of life. It either sounds like a future children’s book or the way in which God teaches us to pay attention to the grand and humble ways we can abide in his presence. I wonder... about Finding Awe in Small Wonders Fall Into Foraging: Discovering Nature’s Edible Treasures Carina Brossy Oct 15 2025 We all know fall is a great time to get outdoors, see the changing fall foliage and enjoy an evening campfire. Now you can add foraging for wild edibles to your list! As part of their wilderness skills unit, junior high nature studies students learn how to build shelters, tie knots, start and sustain campfires and, you guessed it forage for wild edibles . Naturally, out of all these skills, students’ favorite craft has been building a campfire capable of s’more-making! Interested in discovering wild edibles while you enjoy the great outdoors? Here are my top 10 fall wild edibles: 1. Pecans – my personal favorite 2. Black Walnuts – gather freshly fallen ones to avoid grubs 3. Red Sumac Berry - great to dry and add to your spice rack; delicious lemon tart flavor 4. American Persimmons* – gather freshly fallen or collected off tree after first frost 5. Beautyberries – berries are best in tea while leaves are a natural mosquito repellent 6. Rosehips - best in tea and contain loads of vitamin C 7. Wild Passionfruit – also known as maypops 8. Hen of the Woods (Maitake) mushrooms – confirm species before consuming 9. Lion’s Mane mushroom – confirm species before consuming (delicious!) 10. Goldenrod flower – best in tea Headed to the North Carolina mountains this fall? Check out No Taste Like Home foraging tours near Asheville. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and welcome families on their tours. *Arborbrook cultivates two large Asian persimmon trees next to Building Two. These sweet fruits have a flavor profile similar to a blend of apple and pear. about Fall Into Foraging: Discovering Nature’s Edible Treasures Sweetpotatoes for the Win! Carina Brossy Oct 2025 There is nothing more satisfying than growing and harvesting your own sweetpotatoes. After what seems like an eternity of growing (90 to 120 days to be more precise), the sweetpotato's vining leaves will show signs of dying back indicating that the roots are ready for harvesting. Fourth graders recently had the pleasure of pulling sweetpotatoes from their garden bed. In mid-May, I planted just four small sweetpotato slips in each of their two 6x4x1 raised beds expecting the average of 4-5 medium sweetpotatoes harvested from each slip. I instructed the students to carefully extract the sweetpotatoes by hand-digging around each root as if they were on an archeological fossil dig. Sweetpotatoes will snap and stay partially stuck in the soil if carelessly yanked out of the ground. To my (and my students) great surprise, we hauled over 50 sweetpotatoes from EACH bed! I’m confident you would have heard less excitement if we had actually pulled out a dinosaur fossil. After a few weeks of curing, the nutritional powerhouse that are sweetpotatoes will be ready for use in sweet and savory dishes. Fourth graders will enjoy a delicious sweetpotato pancake party as a celebration of their incredible harvest. And yes, sweetpotato is one word. But why? The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission went on a mission several years ago to help consumers differentiate between sweetpotatoes and white (Irish) potatoes. Genetically, these two plants are only distantly related. Sweetpotatoes are part of the morning glory plant family while white (Irish) potatoes are in the nightshade family. Everything from their planting season to their nutritional value is different. Potatoes are even considered a tuber while sweetpotatoes are roots. Both are fun to extract from the soil, but there is something special about hauling 50 bright orange sweetpotatoes during class - especially when you're in 4th grade! about Sweetpotatoes for the Win! How Can God's Creation Teach us to Parent with Purpose? Carina Brossy Sep 17 2025 It’s officially fall planting season! Last week, students sowed several varieties of greens and root vegetables. With so little rain, we’ve been extra busy hand-watering to make sure our new seeds have what they need to germinate and grow. I always laugh (silently) when students plant and immediately ask for the harvest (salad party) date. Kids are naturally motivated by instant gratification, which is why the patience and fortitude required to grow a garden are so beneficial for young minds. Our time in the garden reminded me of the steadfast qualities of nature. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Germany to study school gardens and local ecology. The landscapes of the Bavarian Alps were especially breathtaking. On one particular hike, I stood mesmerized by the natural gift and symbolism of a Nursing Stump You may have seen a nursing stump if you’ve ever noticed a young tree sprouting from the center or side of an old stump. How can a tree grow from inside a dead one? In nature, nothing is wasted. Large stumps still have the capacity to feed young trees through their expansive root systems and from the nutrients in their own decay. Small seedlings are initially supported completely by the stump, but with time and growth they begin putting down roots along the inside or outside edge of the old tree and into the soil. These new roots help support the young tree while the stump continues to break down. As the wood weakens, more roots can venture downward, providing additional stability and nourishment. I love the symbolism found in the role of the nursing stump. As parents, we often think of ourselves as gardeners, caring for our young “seedling” children by feeding and nurturing them until they can grow deep roots of their own. But the nursing stump tells a different story. Its capacity to support something as mighty as a tree depends on three important aspects—its deep roots, its surrounding community, and its ultimate sacrifice. What beautiful spiritual truths are found in a single natural phenomenon! 1. Deep Roots – To feed our children emotionally and spiritually, we must keep our roots firmly planted in God’s Word and in constant prayer (Jeremiah 17:7–8) . Satan is the author of confusion and will do everything in his power to steer our children away from their true identity in Christ. He will do the same to us if we don’t guard our hearts and minds. The nursing stump can only nurture because its roots extend deeper than the messy forest floor. 2. Community – We need each other to face the joys and challenges of raising children. We must be part of a body of believers who, rooted in God's Word, know how and when to say “We will” as well as “We will not” (Hebrews 10:25) . The nursing stump benefits from mycorrhizal fungi, which act like fiber-optic cables, transferring water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and zinc from the soil to the roots. These fungi also connect surrounding trees so that they, too, can support the nursing stump and the new sapling. 3. Sacrifice – One of the greatest gifts we can offer our children is the personal demonstration of sacrificial love. Sacrifice is synonymous with good parenting. We often do this naturally and willingly, but at times it is not easy—in fact, it can be brutal. We give so that our children can grow, and we give so that they, in turn, will also learn to give of themselves. Sacrifice is difficult for adults and even more challenging for children. Our perfect model, however, is God himself, who did not hesitate to sacrifice his best for our worst (John 3:30) . The new sapling can live and grow because the nursing stump is slowly decomposing. I love how God uses nature to demonstrate the power of self-sacrifice to nurture new life. In the precious, short time we have with our kids, may our parental sacrifices always reflect and point to Jesus—the ultimate sustainer of our lives. Let us pray that one day our children will serve as nursing stumps—roots deeply planted, supported by a God-fearing community, and willing to sacrifice for the sake of their God-given calling. Nursing Stump by Lake Königssee, Germany about How Can God's Creation Teach us to Parent with Purpose? Legumes, Larvae, and Lessons: When Tiny Warriors Took Over the Garden Carina Brossy Sep 2025 Shortly before the school year began, I inspected our lush edible school garden to make sure it was student-ready. Our arbors were beautifully laced with gourd vines, cherry tomatoes, noodle and cow beans. To my great frustration, I noticed that our noodle beans were invaded with hordes of aphids. These despicable insects covered each and every one of our 20-inch noodle beans top to bottom sucking valuable nutrients from what should be a glossy healthy legume. Because we do not spray harmful pesticides in our gardens, I considered a more natural “counter-offensive” to this attack. I immediately thought of ladybugs. Did you know that ladybugs can eat up to 50 aphids a day!? Even with that appetite it was going to take more than a few random ladybugs to get the job done. I visited my local plant nursery and debated whether I should invest in store-bought beetles. Overpriced and half dead, I decided against the purchase. I returned to the noodle bean vine just a day before school began to take one more look. To great my relief I saw a different version of my “predator of choice”. Instead of a loveliness of ladybug adults (yes, that is the collective noun), the vine was crawling with ladybug larvae. Even better! The larvae are voracious eaters as well and their presence indicated active ladybug population growth. I knew we had some great nature studies lessons headed our way. What a treat for our students to watch this food chain and lifecycle happen in real time. Third graders have spent the past two nature studies classes recording ladybug lifecycle changes and population growth. As a result of their collected data, students predicted the next series of events for this fascinating battleground. Students even noticed a ladybug adult emerging from its pupa. You don't see this everyday! Garden Tips: Make sure you know what ladybug eggs, larva and pupa look like – larvae look NOTHING like the adults. Ladybugs at all stages will die if sprayed with pesticides intended for aphids…not to mention the pesticides will toxify your edible plants. Here are a few tips for purchasing and releasing ladybugs in case an aphid invasion comes your way. Just note that ladybugs may naturally come and save the day if you give them time and the proper habitat. about Legumes, Larvae, and Lessons: When Tiny Warriors Took Over the Garden ...And Away We Grow Carina Brossy Aug 20 2025 Welcome to the Arborbrook Garden Newsletter! Arborbrook is proud to host several large learning gardens. Our K-6 Edible School Garden contains 14 raised garden beds (one per class) as well as muscadine vines, passionfruit vines, jasmine vines, fig, persimmon and pomegranate trees and perennial and annual flower beds. Our NWF Certified Schoolyard Habitat pollinator garden near Building 2 serves as a habitat for a variety of butterflies, birds and our stunning fall-blooming Maximillian Sunflowers. Our woodland trails, filled with towering trees, a biodiverse understory and all manner of local wildlife offer students an incredible learning environment. In the spring, the woodland creek bed fills with life, and students can wade in the water searching for salamanders and crayfish. Our K-8 nature studies program allows students to regularly explore these areas while they play, sketch and cultivate fall and spring veggies! Our upper school environmental science class continues these explorations by offering students lessons in outdoor cultivation as well as plant analysis using their indoor hydroponics system. Once a week we will post information about our gardens, what is in season, as well as how you can cultivate flowers and veggies in your own backyard. STAY TUNED! Second grade is ready for action! about ...And Away We Grow