NATURE STUDIES AT GENTIAN CREEK PRESERVE

Gentian Creek Preserve and Thomas County Schools are working together to make exploratory nature studies available to students and to promote an understanding of nature, wildlife, conservation, ecology, and habitat restoration with curriculum in support of the Georgia Department of Education’s Standards for Science. Gentian Creek Programs are implemented through outdoor lessons, laboratory studies, and nature excursions.

Photo of a Halloween Pennant Dragonfly
Photo of a bird of prey at Gentian Creek
gather & learn

THE BARN

In September 2022, the Foundation completed the renovation of the pony barn to serve as a base for outdoor learning excursions and a significant resource that will enhance our students' learning experiences

  • 1 Classroom

  • 2 Labs (Wet & Dry)

  • Covered Picnic Area

  • Quiet Observation Room

  • Ecological Exhibitions

Photo of the restored pony barn turned nature center at Gentian Creek.
Reena setting a cover board.
explore & connect

AROUND THE PROPERTY

Students will start their day with an excursion around Gentian Creek Preserve observing various habitats and checking cover boards to look for critters. Students will take water samples to examine upon return to the barn.

  • 255 acres, 15+ miles of trails

  • Upland Fields

  • Hardwood Slope Forests

  • Wetlands

  • Creeks

zoom in

WET & DRY LABS

Students will discuss what they observed in nature and connect the dots by examining wet and dry samples under the microscope. Thomas County Schools provides IT support for The Barn.

  • Microscopes

  • Smart Boards

  • Chromebooks

  • Quick Keys and Study Guides for flora and fauna found on property at Gentian Creek Preserve.

Micropscope image of an organism found on property.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you are a parent or educator, please find some of our most frequently asked questions answered here.