Mrs. Ponder's fifth grade class embarked on an exciting field trip to the breathtaking Prairie Garden Trust located in the charming town of New Bloomfield, MO. The students were thrilled to be met by the renowned author Lorna Domke, who wrote the captivating book 'Fox in the Forest', which Mrs. Ponder's class has been thoroughly enjoying this week. What made this encounter even more special was that Mrs. Domke is also the daughter-in-law of Herb and Joan Domke, the founders of this magnificent garden. After a delightful visit and book signing, Mrs. Domke took the students on an unforgettable nature hike to explore the stunning Beaver Lake, serene Lotus Ponds, fascinating Mima Mound, tranquil Cow Pond, picturesque Farm Pond, and the awe-inspiring Valley Overlook. Throughout their hike, the students learned about the diverse types of trees and plants that inhabit the area, as well as ways to identify them using their unique characteristics. They discovered the importance of the prairie ecosystem and how it supports a wide variety of wildlife. Mrs. Domke shared her extensive knowledge of the garden's history, pointing out interesting features and sharing stories about the garden's development. Although time did not permit the students to explore all 240 acres of this natural wonderland, it will definitely be added to the list of places to revisit in the future. The students left with a newfound appreciation for nature, a sense of wonder, and unforgettable memories of their adventure at the Prairie Garden Trust.