As the 2025-26 school year inches to the final weeks of the year, the Kennecott Nature Center provided its board members with a report on how the year went this week. The Center remains one of Murray City School District’s most vital and vibrant assets. Under the dedicated leadership of Center Coordinator and instructor Cathy Singer, the center continues a remarkable level of engagement, bridging the gap between textbook theory and the living, breathing world.

The Year by the Numbers

This year, the center was a bustling hub of discovery. Singer reports an impressive 317 individual classes, comprised of 6,553 students. But the learning wasn’t just for the kids; the center also hosted 1,414 adults, including teachers, support professionals, and parents, all witnessing the power of outdoor education firsthand.

Bridging the Gap: Secondary Student Growth

While elementary students remain the center's primary users, a key objective for Singer this year was increasing secondary student participation opportunities. She reports some great interactions with Murray’s older students:

• Environmental Science in Action: Ms. McKay’s High School Environmental Science CTE students utilized the center for hands-on water quality sampling.

• Community Connection: The MHS Interact Club visited the center to foster a deeper appreciation for local conservation.

• The Art of Observation: Ms. Lami’s Language Arts students from Hillcrest Junior High utilized the serene environment for nature writing exercises.

World-Class Partnerships

The curriculum was further enriched by a "Who’s Who" of environmental experts in Utah. Third graders benefited from monthly sessions with the Hawkwatch program, while fourth graders engaged with educators from the Natural History Museum. Other highlights included:

• Utah Mountain Lion Conservation: Specialized instruction for Viewmont 5th graders.

• Botanical Illustration: A unique session led by Zach Nielson.

• City Ecology: A sponsored session by the 7 Canyons Trust featuring a museum ecologist.

The "50/50" Philosophy

Singer emphasizes a balanced approach to learning: 50% indoor instruction and 50% outdoor exploration. These nature walks are more than just a stroll; they are "real-time" classrooms where students study erosion, air quality, and the wildlife that call the center home.

Beyond the academic gains, the physical benefits are undeniable. Research indicates that time spent outdoors lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and decreases stress levels—all while providing students with essential Vitamin D.

Looking Ahead

From coordinating Arbor Day for eight 4th-grade classes at Murray City Park to introducing the new "Needs of Living Things" program for first graders, Singer is constantly evolving the center’s offerings. With over a dozen curriculum options currently available, her ultimate goal remains clear: to continue the evolution of state core science curriculum needs, requirements, and updates, to help support Murray educator objectives.

As we look toward next year, the Kennecott Nature Center stands as a testament to the idea that some of the best lessons aren't always learned in front of a screen or sitting at a desk—they are found under the canopy of a tree and along the banks of a stream.