CLC Arboretum Field Trip Photo Contest

Students from the Community Learning Center (CLC) recently turned a field trip into a fun and meaningful experience, blending friendly competition with a focus on mental and physical health.

Leading up to the trip, students explored how nature can support well-being through practices like shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), immersing yourself in nature using all your senses, grounding (being barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt), and the benefits of outdoor physical activity and mindset shifts that come from spending time outside instead of indoors. They were encouraged to remove their headphones and other distractions, taking time to walk or sit quietly in nature and use their senses to hear, see, smell, and touch their surroundings.

At the arboretum, students put this learning into action through a photo challenge, capturing images in categories including the Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Herb Garden, Conservatory, and Close-Up. After the trip, all entries were submitted anonymously, and students voted for their favorites. The top six finalists were up for a public vote, inviting the community to join in celebrating their creativity and unique perspectives on the beauty of nature. The winner is Tasneem M and a close second was Darius S!