The YESS class at Pine Bush High School (Youth Empowerment and Sustainability Skills) took a field trip to Minnewaska State Park.  YESS students spent the day with Laura Conner, the environmental educator for the park.

They spent the morning snowshoeing on Mossy Glen trail learning to identify animal tracks in the snow and talking and seeing how climate change is impacting the plants and animals in the park.  Students also learned about invasive species and how the forest has changed over time due to the damage done by organisms like wooly adelgids and chestnut blight. 

After a hike to Awosting Falls, students headed to the new Minnewaska Visitors Center. Students were excited to hear they were the first school group at the visitors center since the opening in 2020.

The field trip ended with a snow person building contest in the area next to the visitors center. YESS students look forward to going back in the spring when they will volunteer to help at the park.