Trinity class studies restoration ecology

DOROTHY HOLLAND

Trinity Montessori School students spent the day with retired Citadel professor, author and well-known field biologist Dr. Richard D. Porcher at his property near Manning.

The Upper Elementary class of Trinity Montessori School traveled to Clarendon County on March 13 to begin studying the emerging science of restoration ecology, the study of restoring destroyed ecosystems to their original state.

The students spent the day exploring and learning about the work being done by retired Citadel professor, author and well-known field biologist Dr. Richard D. Porcher at his property near Manning. Porcher is restoring a large parcel of land to its natural state after he placed the property under a conservation easement. Among the many lessons Porcher taught, the students learned about the specific geological formation known as the Carolina Bay. The students learned about the bay's flora and ecosystem.

They also learned about the native longleaf pine tree, which has a natural fire resistance. The class learned how that trait enables its survival and propagation. Longleaf pine forests are sometimes known as 'fire forests.'

After hiking through forest, swamp and field for the better part of the day, the students returned to school, where continued study was to take place. Trinity has plans for an outdoor classroom.