Pathways Hybrid Homeschool students have been working with Brecknock Township to enhance Brubaker Park, a 90-acre public use park located in northeastern Lancaster County.

The students recently helped the Lancaster Conservation District plant trees and shrubs in the riparian buffer along the newly improved Black Creek section of the park. The stream improvement project began last fall as a joint effort between Lancaster Conservation District, Brecknock Township and the Exelon Corporation, which provided the funds. Students watched and learned as the improvement project progressed through various stages, and then students assisted in plantings this spring. They will conduct stream studies over the next months and compare the results to stream studies they did prior to the improvement project.

Pathways has also been instrumental in securing grants from the Sierra Club and the Schuylkill Highlands Conservancy to establish a native pollinator field on the east side of the park. Phase one was started last fall, the seeds were "snow sown" this winter, and the plants are beginning to grow. Phase two will involve clearing the next section of invasive honeysuckle and multi-flora rose. Community volunteers are welcome to join the students and can express interest by contacting Pathways using the contact information at http://www.learningatpathways.org.

This spring, park visitors can enjoy an education signboard created by the students at the lower entrance to the park. The display showcases spring wildflowers that can be found at Brubaker Park, along with a take-along spring wildflower scavenger hunt. The students built the signboard and work on creating evolving educational displays.

Past projects have included trail cleanup, bluebird boxes, the raising and release of trout fingerlings and general upkeep.

Pathways is a nonprofit homeschool hybrid program for students in grades three through 12. Environmental stewardship and living history are special focus areas at Pathways. Students meet on-site three or four days a week for academic instruction and hands-on projects.

For more details or to volunteer with the park enhancements, visit the aforementioned website.