This fall, three classes of English language learners learned about the nonprofit group Portland Trails and its work to create a network of trails throughout greater Portland. Lois Winter, a trail steward and advisory board member of the group, led the classes on field trips to the Presumpscot River Preserve and the Fore River Sanctuary. FPAE paid the cost of the two trips. This article was written by Nancy Fox’s ESOL 4 class.
When we learned about trails in Portland we talked about Presumpscot River Preserve. We were very excited to discover it and enjoy our trail in Portland.
Last Thursday our class went to field trip at Presumpscot River Preserve. We went to visit and learn about Portland Trails.
We learned about trees, flowers, mushrooms, leaves, moss and the River. We saw stream, tall trees, tree leaves, tree bark, mushrooms, flowers, pine cones and acorns.
We heard birds sing. We smelled the natural air. Then we touched berries, bark, acorns and lichen.
We saw the river. It was flowing slowly and curly water. We heard the river’s sounds and bird sounds too. We learned that 100 years ago the river was not good because of the pollution, but now we have clean river.
We heard waterfalls that made a lot of noises. At the falls the water was falling very quickly. Also the water became white because there are many rocks and the water made bubbles. The water made sound like the noise of wind.
On this field trip the most we like was trail and beautiful natural environment. We felt very excited and everyone was happy about the Portland Trails.
The time we spent there was short and exciting, so we hope to return again to discover a lot more things. We would like to return to this preserve on our own.
