FHBWI Project Coordinator Garret VanWart , along with other naturalists, took Jean Chambers and her students on a series of nature explorations designed to introduce them to watershed and biodiversity science. The group used a specially designed Watershed Education Trail within walking distance of the Gates School as their base of operations. This informal trail was ideal because it includes the town's drinking water reservoir, a bubbling perennial stream, a small marsh, and a potential vernal pool.

Garret VanWart, an eminent Science educator who was the Director of the Blue Hills Trailside Museum and a Deputy Director of the Trustees of the Reservations, was periodically joined by other FHBWI instructors such as Ecologist J. Andrew Walsh, Entomologist Fred SaintOurs Jr., Geologist Sandra Kelly, Herbalist Susan Leigh Anthony and Audubon staff Linda Bornstein and Connie Beal. Scituate's Water Superintendent Gene Babin and Environmental Scientist Stephanie Hanson from CEI, Inc. was also involved during the water quality component. FHBWI Director Lance Van Lenten intends to create a film about the program with Environmental Club students for community television as part of the project's final report.

Besides studying a variety of waterbodies, plants, insects and critters who reside along the trail the club enjoyed several field trips to nearby sites: Whitney Woods, the water treatment plant, and the 'Spit' to learn about habitat, water quality, and coastal biodiversity. Members of the Environmental Club assisted with the annual Biodiversity Days event hosted by the FHBWI.

Although the project had ambitious learning goals based on State Science Education guidelines all activities were designed by Garry and other instructors to be fun with a 'hands on' approach. The premise for this experience was that learning about the environment can be meaningful and enjoyable at the same time. Students created their own journals, collected specimens, asked questions and sought their own answers.

The project started in late March and continued through early June. Along with Garry VanWart and Instructor Ms. Jean Chambers, Ms. Susan Leigh Anthony and Ms. Linda Bornstein contributed a tremendous amount of time and work into making the project a success. Special thanks go to Mr. William Krusell who allowed the club to use his gorgeous property and enthusiastically participated in most of the events. The support from Assistant Superintendent Ruth Gilbert-Whitner, the Scituate School Department and the Conservation Commission was also greatly appreciated.