Nature Studies Blog

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”
-Marcus Tullius Cicero

Summer is a wonderful season to explore the outdoors together as a family. It’s also a great opportunity to discover books that inspire outdoor adventure and help cultivate a love for nature in your children. I hope these recommended reads* enrich your summer and encourage meaningful activities that create lasting memories together.

1. Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
By Richard Louv

2. How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature
By Scott D Sampson

3. Outdoor Kids in an Inside World
by Steven Rinella

 

 

 

 

4. Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature
By Jennifer Ward

5. Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors
By Kim Andrews

From the mountains to coast, North Carolina is an amazing state for outdoor recreation. Check out Visit North Carolina's Outdoor Adventures webpage for new and unique family destinations this summer. 

*While many of these authors approach their research from a secular perspective, we believe creation reflects God’s design and purpose. As we explore the natural world with our children, we also have the opportunity to nurture wonder, gratitude, and a heart of worship for the Lord.

This has been a tough year for gardeners—or really, anyone who depends on a normal water cycle. Much of our state is experiencing extreme drought conditions, with no clear indication of when they will end. Despite the arid weather, and with only occasional rain that seems to evaporate within minutes, we experienced an abundant harvest from our school gardens this past year. Take a peek at our AI-generated timeline and other photos to see our garden’s journey from the first day of planting to our spring harvest celebration.

 

 

 

 

Even spring flowers are still blooming on campus despite the lack of water, and birds and insects are finding their rhythm. My heart is filled with wonder at the resilience of plants and animals in the face of one of the natural world’s greatest challenges: finding water. During a drought, plants must rely on roots that can tap into ever-diminishing groundwater. In some cases, they must drive those roots even deeper into the earth. I can’t help but think of of Colossians 2:7:

“Let your roots grown down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” 

We are blessed beyond measure to draw from a living source that never dries up. Sometimes it may feel like we have to dig very deep when the season is dry and difficult, but the Lord's goodness and faithfulness is always abundant. Let this year's garden harvest be a reminder of that truth!

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Arborbrook Plant Sale on Grandparents and Special Friends Day - Thursday, April 30th. 

This year features dozens of flowering perennials, herbs, bulbs and house plants. We also have a very special selection of perennial flowers transplanted and repotted from the ACA gardens by our wonderful 6th grade nature studies students. 
 

Also for the very first time, we'll feature a NEW Arborbrook Gardens farmers' market tote bag! 

Have you noticed? Lately, it seems birds are filling the skies, trees, and even power lines in search of mates and nesting materials. Birds that were once “on vacation” in their winter migratory locations are now back in town. If you listen closely, you may hear baby birds* chirping during the day or the louder calls of owls in the evening. It’s all part of the miracle of spring—God’s promise of new life reflected throughout His creation.

To complement spring’s burst of bird activity, third graders examined several bird nests, paying close attention to their sizes and the natural and man-made materials woven throughout. Students were surprised to find that most nests are incredibly sturdy, with distinct and intentional layers. How can a bird, without hands, construct such a marvel?

To highlight the unique capabilities of birds, students were challenged to build their own nests—without using their fingers. Their only tools were a pair of chopsticks. It took time, patience, creativity, and teamwork, but in the end, students created nests they were proud of. Still, we agree: birds, with their uniquely crafted beaks, remain the true master builders.

 

 

 

Found a baby bird outside of its nest? Read the article below for help.

*What to do if you find a baby bird, injured or orphaned wildlife?

Despite both having the word “potato” in their names, Irish potatoes and sweetpotatoes are two VERY different vegetables. Spring is a great time to plant Irish, or white, potato seeds (i.e., Russet, Yukon, Adirondack, etc.) for an early summer harvest, while sweetpotatoes are summer lovers and need to be planted in late May to mid-June for an early fall harvest. There are many varieties of Irish, or white, potatoes, and the best way to plant them is to acquire certified seed potatoes from your local nursery. Renfrow Hardware still has a few varieties left.

Irish/White Potatoes
Sow your potatoes in loose, well-drained soil and follow spacing and trenching recommendations. There is nothing more satisfying than digging up these delicious tubers at the end of the season. Can we say French fries!?

Sweetpotatoes…Kind Of
Planting sweetpotatoes in early summer requires that you either purchase sweetpotato slips (similar to a large morning glory vine) from a nursery OR start the slips yourself using the method below. The latter option yields a lot more plants for the money but takes time, which is why now is the time to get started.

Fourth graders worked on their “sweetpotato slip-making” this week. They now have six sweetpotatoes suspended in jars of water set by a sunny window. For fun, students drew faces and named each of their prized vegetables. Now comes the waiting. As the slips grow off the sweetpotatoes and climb toward the sun, their veggie subjects will look like they’re growing hair—how fun! Each slip will later be plucked off and planted in the Arborbrook gardens for three months of hot summer growth. Next year’s fourth graders will enjoy an unforgettable harvest in September.

How often do we “reap the benefits” of someone else’s sowing!? Happy planting!

 

HOW TO GROW
Sweetpotatoes from Slips

1.     Place each sweetpotato tuber in a jar or glass and use toothpicks to keep tubers suspended above the bottom. 

2.     Fill with water, making sure that at least half of the tuber is out of the water.

3.    Now comes the important part: add the face and give it a name. Write the name on a piece of tape and tape it to the container.

4.     Place your tubers somewhere warm. The windowsill is ideal. Within a few days, you will see roots start to bud. Then after a week or two, shoots and leaves emerge. These are your slips.

*You must use organically grown sweetpotatoes in order for the slip to sprout.

 

Looking to get outside more this spring break? Staying in town for some R&R? "Staycations" offer the perfect low-key opportunity to explore nature parks with your family. And with spring on the way, now is a great time to get outdoors!

Despite living in one of the fastest growing states in the country, there are still plenty of green spaces to check out this spring. Here is a small list to get you started. These parks and preserves are perfect for children of all ages. 

Gardens & Botanical Beauties 

• UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens – Calm botanical gardens with collections of native and exotic plant species, greenhouse exhibits, woodland sections, and interpretive signage — free admission and open daily at daylight. 

• McGill Rose Garden – A hidden city garden showcasing 100+ varieties of roses, fountains, benches and shaded paths — one of the few All-America Rose public gardens in North Carolina. 

• Daniel Stowe Conservancy (Belmont) – Formerly Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, now a 380-acre conservancy with formal gardens, fountains, woodland trails, adventure paths, lakefront routes, and 8+ miles of nature trails. 

• Wing Haven - Tucked into the heart of Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood, Wing Haven is a charming three-acre garden and bird sanctuary rich in history, horticulture, and wildlife habitat. The site includes a charming children's garden and exploration area. 

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Nature Preserves, Centers & Trails 

• McDowell Nature Preserve (Charlotte): Large preserve on Lake Wylie with forest hikes, waterfront trails, campsites, fishing, and paddling access.

• Reedy Creek Nature Preserve (Charlotte): One of the area’s best natural retreats with miles of wooded trails, ponds, picnic areas, and wildlife habitat — a must for hikers and nature lovers.

• Stevens Creek Nature Preserve (Mint Hill): A peaceful 280+-acre nature sanctuary nestled along Stevens Creek in Mint Hill, perfect for families, hikers, and nature lovers of all ages.

• Cane Creek Park (Waxhaw): A crown jewel of Union County with a large lake (350 acres), scenic walking and multi-use trails, picnic areas, fishing, boating access, disc golf, and playgrounds. Trail systems here link into Carolina Thread Trail segments.

 

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Beyond Mecklenburg and Union County

If you want a day-trip hike or outdoor adventure a bit further out (within ~1 hour):

• Anne Springs Close Greenway (Fort Mill) – Expansive nature trails, forests, ropes bridges and scenic spots. 

• Crowders Mountain State Park – Ridge summit views and rock outcrops (a popular regional hike). 

 

January and early February are the perfect months to plan a new garden. I personally find myself dreaming of the what, when, and where of my own garden during the cold, darker days of winter. If you’re starting from scratch or wondering how to improve or expand your garden, consider these top five must-knows for successful cultivation.

1. Sunlight Matters
Before planting anything, observe your space and note where the sun hits throughout the day. Most fruits and vegetables need ample sun (6–8 hours) throughout the day. Some prefer more morning sun versus afternoon sun. Take inventory of what you want to plant, their sunlight needs, and plan the location of your garden accordingly.

2. Soil, Soil, Soil
Healthy soil = healthy plants. Adding compost or organic matter can dramatically improve poor soil and boost plant growth. For larger spaces, consider ordering your soil and/or compost in bulk. Delivery fees will add to the expense, but borrowing a truck from a friend or neighbor would be ideal. Most supply companies will charge close to $40 per cubic yard (a pickup truck full). This is much cheaper than buying individual bags from Lowe’s or Home Depot.

3. Access to Water
Learn how often your plants need water and aim for deep, consistent watering, preferably in the morning. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Refer back to soil quality.

4. Protection
It goes without saying that we have a lot of deer in our area. Just like humans, deer (and rabbits) LOVE veggies, fruits and flowers. Protection is key. You can have the best soil, water, and sun, but if deer get into your garden, your plans for a healthy harvest are over. Don’t underestimate them. We maintain a 7-foot fence around our garden in our pocket of suburbia. The bottom portion is wrapped in a foot of chicken wire for equally hungry rabbits. Even if you never see wildlife in your yard, once the plants are in, the critters will come. Invest in good fencing. Don’t depend on “deer resistant” varieties of anything — they love to taste-test.

5. Scale with the Season
Think about spacing, plant height, growth habits (planting zones), and future maintenance when planning your space. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and light. On that note, be sure to plant with correct seasonal timing. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Mecklenburg and Union counties are located in Zone 8a, which indicates when to plant certain fruits and vegetables. Don’t be fooled by when Lowe’s sets out its seedlings. Most are put out for sale too early and left out too late in the season.

Looking for a more in-depth planting guide? Check out the NCSU Cooperative Extension Garden Planting Calendar.

It’s cold now, but spring will be here before you know it. If you’re hoping to plant a spring garden, you’re just a few days to weeks away. If you’ve always felt like your green thumb was more brown, it’s time to give it another go with a new set of knowledge, skills, and resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions: carina.brossy@arborbrook.org

January invites our nature studies students to “dust for the fingerprints of God” in our school woods. Even in the dead of winter, the forest floor is alive with quiet activity—if you know where to look.

This past fall marked a mast year for oak trees in our area, a rare season when oaks produce an abundant crop of acorns. This week, students discovered what happens after those acorns fall and are tucked beneath autumn leaves: the space between soil and leaf litter creates the perfect moist environment for germination. A mast year provides not only food for animals, but also the regeneration of the forest itself.

Students were amazed to uncover hundreds of acorns at different stages of growth. Some had just begun to sprout, while others had sent roots deep into the soil. I watched them squeal with delight as they held a future forests in the palm of their hands. I was humbled to realize the divine order and complexity of the forest. It’s no coincidence that acorns drop first THEN the leaves fall on top. The forest has a built-in compost system to feed the newest members of its ecosystem. 

One first grader asked if he could take home a sprouting acorn to plant in his yard. When I asked why, he said he hoped to climb its branches someday. I told him he might be an old man by then. He didn’t mind. It reminded me of the Greek proverb: 
 

“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”
 

Parenting and teaching often mean investing in growth we may never fully see.  Let’s not grow weary in creating a rich environment for spiritual and academic growth even if we cannot fully witness the outcome. What we do today in our homes and school lays the groundwork for a whole forest of future believers. And maybe, with God’s grace, we can take a peek at His good work behind the scenes – seeds of faith and learning taking root.  

 

 

 

 

We all know fall is a great time to get outdoors, see the changing fall foliage and enjoy an evening campfire. Now you can add foraging for wild edibles to your list! As part of their wilderness skills unit, junior high nature studies students learn how to build shelters, tie knots, start and sustain campfires and, you guessed it, forage for wild edibles. Naturally, out of all these skills, students’ favorite craft has been building a campfire capable of s’more-making! 

Interested in discovering wild edibles while you enjoy the great outdoors? 

Here are my top 10 fall wild edibles:

1.     Pecans – my personal favorite

2.     Black Walnuts – gather freshly fallen ones to avoid grubs

3.     Red Sumac Berry - great to dry and add to your spice rack; delicious lemon tart flavor

4.     American Persimmons* – gather freshly fallen or collected off tree after first frost

5.     Beautyberries – berries are best in tea while leaves are a natural mosquito repellent

6.     Rosehips - best in tea and contain loads of vitamin C

7.     Wild Passionfruit – also known as maypops 

8.     Hen of the Woods (Maitake) mushrooms – confirm species before consuming

9.     Lion’s Mane mushroom – confirm species before consuming (delicious!)

10.  Goldenrod flower – best in tea

Headed to the North Carolina mountains this fall? Check out No Taste Like Home foraging tours near Asheville. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and welcome families on their tours. 

*Arborbrook cultivates two large Asian persimmon trees next to Building Two. These sweet fruits have a flavor profile similar to a blend of apple and pear.

 

 

It’s officially fall planting season! Last week, students sowed several varieties of greens and root vegetables. With so little rain, we’ve been extra busy hand-watering to make sure our new seeds have what they need to germinate and grow. I always laugh (silently) when students plant and immediately ask for the harvest (salad party) date. Kids are naturally motivated by instant gratification, which is why the patience and fortitude required to grow a garden are so beneficial for young minds.

Our time in the garden reminded me of the steadfast qualities of nature. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Germany to study school gardens and local ecology. The landscapes of the Bavarian Alps were especially breathtaking. On one particular hike, I stood mesmerized by the natural gift and symbolism of a Nursing Stump.

You may have seen a nursing stump if you’ve ever noticed a young tree sprouting from the center or side of an old stump. How can a tree grow from inside a dead one? In nature, nothing is wasted. Large stumps still have the capacity to feed young trees through their expansive root systems and from the nutrients in their own decay. Small seedlings are initially supported completely by the stump, but with time and growth they begin putting down roots along the inside or outside edge of the old tree and into the soil. These new roots help support the young tree while the stump continues to break down. As the wood weakens, more roots can venture downward, providing additional stability and nourishment.

I love the symbolism found in the role of the nursing stump. As parents, we often think of ourselves as gardeners, caring for our young “seedling” children by feeding and nurturing them until they can grow deep roots of their own. But the nursing stump tells a different story. Its capacity to support something as mighty as a tree depends on three important aspects—its deep roots, its surrounding community, and its ultimate sacrifice. What beautiful spiritual truths are found in a single natural phenomenon!

1. Deep Roots – To feed our children emotionally and spiritually, we must keep our roots firmly planted in God’s Word and in constant prayer (Jeremiah 17:7–8). Satan is the author of confusion and will do everything in his power to steer our children away from their true identity in Christ. He will do the same to us if we don’t guard our hearts and minds. The nursing stump can only nurture because its roots extend deeper than the messy forest floor.

2. Community – We need each other to face the joys and challenges of raising children. We must be part of a body of believers who, rooted in God's Word, know how and when to say “We will” as well as “We will not” (Hebrews 10:25). The nursing stump benefits from mycorrhizal fungi, which act like fiber-optic cables, transferring water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and zinc from the soil to the roots. These fungi also connect surrounding trees so that they, too, can support the nursing stump and the new sapling.

3. Sacrifice – One of the greatest gifts we can offer our children is the personal demonstration of sacrificial love. Sacrifice is synonymous with good parenting. We often do this naturally and willingly, but at times it is not easy—in fact, it can be brutal. We give so that our children can grow, and we give so that they, in turn, will also learn to give of themselves. Sacrifice is difficult for adults and even more challenging for children. Our perfect model, however, is God himself, who did not hesitate to sacrifice his best for our worst (John 3:30). The new sapling can live and grow because the nursing stump is slowly decomposing. I love how God uses nature to demonstrate the power of self-sacrifice to nurture new life. In the precious, short time we have with our kids, may our parental sacrifices always reflect and point to Jesus—the ultimate sustainer of our lives.

Let us pray that one day our children will serve as nursing stumps—roots deeply planted, supported by a God-fearing community, and willing to sacrifice for the sake of their God-given calling.

 

 

Shortly before the school year began, I inspected our lush edible school garden to make sure it was student-ready. Our arbors were beautifully laced with gourd vines, cherry tomatoes, noodle and cow beans. To my great frustration, I noticed that our noodle beans were invaded with hordes of aphids. These despicable insects covered each and every one of our 20-inch noodle beans top to bottom sucking valuable nutrients from what should be a glossy healthy legume. Because we do not spray harmful pesticides in our gardens, I considered a more natural “counter-offensive” to this attack.  

I immediately thought of ladybugs. 

Did you know that ladybugs can eat up to 50 aphids a day!? Even with that appetite it was going to take more than a few random ladybugs to get the job done. 

I visited my local plant nursery and debated whether I should invest in store-bought beetles. Overpriced and half dead, I decided against the purchase. I returned to the noodle bean vine just a day before school began to take one more look. To great my relief I saw a different version of my “predator of choice”. Instead of a loveliness of ladybug adults (yes, that is the collective noun), the vine was crawling with ladybug larvae. Even better! The larvae are voracious eaters as well and their presence indicated active ladybug population growth. I knew we had some great nature studies lessons headed our way. What a treat for our students to watch this food chain and lifecycle happen in real time.

Third graders have spent the past two nature studies classes recording ladybug lifecycle changes and population growth. As a result of their collected data, students predicted the next series of events for this fascinating battleground.

 

 

 

 

 

Garden Tips: 
Make sure you know what ladybug eggs, larva and pupa look like – larvae look NOTHING like the adults. Ladybugs at all stages will die if sprayed with pesticides intended for aphids…not to mention the pesticides will toxify your edible plants. Here are a few tips for purchasing and releasing ladybugs in case an aphid invasion comes your way. Just note that ladybugs may naturally come and save the day if you give them time and the proper habitat.

Welcome to the Arborbrook Garden Newsletter!

Arborbrook is proud to host several large learning gardens. Our K-6 Edible School Garden contains 14 raised garden beds (one per class) as well as muscadine vines, passionfruit vines, jasmine vines, fig, persimmon and pomegranate trees and perennial and annual flower beds. Our NWF Certified Schoolyard Habitat pollinator garden near Building 2 serves as a habitat for a variety of butterflies, birds and our stunning fall-blooming Maximillian Sunflowers. 

Our woodland trails, filled with towering trees, a biodiverse understory and all manner of local wildlife offer students an incredible learning environment. In the spring, the woodland creek bed fills with life, and students can wade in the water searching for salamanders and crayfish. 

Our K-8 nature studies program allows students to regularly explore these areas while they play, sketch and cultivate fall and spring veggies!

Our upper school environmental science class continues these explorations by offering students lessons in outdoor cultivation as well as plant analysis using their indoor hydroponics system. 

Once a week we will post information about our gardens, what is in season, as well as how you can cultivate flowers and veggies in your own backyard. STAY TUNED!