I have begun doing a little research to see what resources are available locally in terms of field trips… Most years, I take my class to the Acton Arboretum (in Acton MA, on Rte. 27) in the spring; trees, of course, but also lots of flowers and flowering shrubbery and trees, and a huge lilac garden; wonderful place! Another lovely place to walk in the warm weather is Benson’s Park in Hudson NH; a beautiful repurposing of the former Benson’s Wild Animal Farm. I considered Garden in the Woods in Framingham, but I think it’s further than they’d let us travel. But right here in Lowell, there are lots of public parks and spaces that are all a-bloom in the springtime. The City Department of Parks web page says they are responsible for “the maintenance and management of … 60+ road islands and squares, (and) 90+ parks and playgrounds;” “all monuments, ornamental parks, islands, circles and squares and flag poles are prepared in anticipation of Memorial Weekend and when all parks and playgrounds and… specialty areas are opened for the season.” Surely some of that beautification calls for a visit!
Additionally, the Department helps “coordinate the efforts of various schools who undertake cleanup and beautification projects.” It might be too late for us to pull it together for this year, but I think it would be WAY cool to see a local garden spot with a sign crediting our program with the job! (The City additionally operates a sponsorship program where individuals, families, organizations, or businesses can offer to maintain one of the above mentioned “monuments, ornamental parks, islands, circles and squares and flag poles” and the City provides a lovely sign acknowledging whoever has taken it on; it mostly seems to work well!)