Independence Biology Society hiked at the Land Lab on Saturday, November 22.
Bio Society advisor Mr. Scott Maretka led the students through the trails of the Land Lab to get newer members more familiar with the layout. Many students first join the club for the pumpkin hunt, which takes place in the evening, so this hike was “a chance for students to see the trails during the day,” Maretka said.
During the hike, Maretka quizzed members on types of leaves from the ground, which also served as a fun review for Environmental Science/Field Biology students. Maretka showed fascinating sights like the Cuyahoga River and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Senior Matthew Liepert loved “seeing the view of the bridge in the distance of the national park at the overlook.” Later on, Bio Society members were challenged to pick up the largest sycamore leaves they could find and competed to find the biggest ones. After the hike, students drank hot chocolate and ate cookies in the Land Lab classroom.
Maretka’s main goals of the Bio Society hikes are acquainting students with nature to make them feel more comfortable and creating opportunities to make friends. He also wants to teach them about various aspects of nature, such as leaf identification.
Senior Tatiana Randjelovic shares a similar view. “I’d definitely say there’s an educational aspect of it where you definitely appreciate nature more,” Randjelovic commented. “I think the land lab is really definitely important with making us part of nature’s community, you know?”
Maretka enjoyed watching the students learn about leaves and “laughing and having fun doing it.”
While the club was drinking hot chocolate, IHS and Bio Society alum Josie Lee from the class of 2020 came to visit the Land Lab. Lee now works as a character actor in Disneyland Paris.
Earlier in November, Bio Society held their annual pumpkin hunt which attracted some new members. Bio Society has plenty more upcoming trips for the school year. To join the club or to find out about upcoming events, register for the Remind code outside of Mr. Maretka’s room (111).
