XENIA — Students from St. Brigid School recently visited Greene County Parks & Trails’ (GCP&T) Narrows Reserve to learn how to identify trees, their life cycle and the role they play in nature.

Two groups of students hiked along the Little Miami State and National Scenic River and the woodlands of the park to learn how to identify a tree by its bark, leaves or fruit.

Using a tree identification book, the students learned to use a key system to begin the identification process by looking at each part of the tree.

GCP&T hosts school children within the classroom and within its parks for both natural science and cultural heritage topics. For more information on the agency’s school education program, call 937-562-6440, email [email protected] or visit www.gcparkstrails.com.

Submitted photos GCP&T volunteer and former teacher Chris Allen shares information on the lichen growing a tree near the river.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/09/web1_ChrisAllen.jpgSubmitted photos GCP&T volunteer and former teacher Chris Allen shares information on the lichen growing a tree near the river.

A St. Brigid School student shows his amazement at a fact about trees.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/09/web1_Glasses.jpgA St. Brigid School student shows his amazement at a fact about trees.

Two St. Brigid School students learn to use a tree identification book.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/09/web1_Book.jpgTwo St. Brigid School students learn to use a tree identification book.

GCP&T Naturalist Ashlee Schmitt shows students how to identify a buckeye tree by its “pink underpants.”

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/09/web1_Schmitt.jpgGCP&T Naturalist Ashlee Schmitt shows students how to identify a buckeye tree by its “pink underpants.”