Millennium Amphitheater and Nature Trail

Poplar Road Elementary has an amphitheater and nature trail. They began in 2000 and were named the Millennium Amphitheater and Nature Trail. Claire L., a Third Grader at the time, named them during a contest. There is a sign near the entrance now with the name on it. The nature trail was started first from an old logging road found by some high school students. They were in Ms. Riggs' Horticultural Class at ECHS. Ms. Riggs also came herself to talk with students about what we wanted in a nature trail. Mr. Joe Corbitt, husband of Carol Corbitt, a bus driver, brought his Bobcat to clear the trail. He also brought his son and daughter to run the equipment and help. They returned many times to complete the amphitheater. We have them to thank for having this great outdoor place to enjoy.

With Mrs. Estabrooks, Cub Scout Pack 53 came to spread mulch and maintain the trail. The dads with that pack began the rail around the handicap pad at the upper level of the amphitheater. Mrs. Nivens' husband completed it on Presidents' Day. Ra-Lin Construction donated many loads of mulch from the new construction site. They will be back to spread it and build a walkway to the handicap pad. Then physically challenged persons can enjoy presentations at the amphitheater easier. The larger of two lakes at the back of the trail belongs to our school and has been fenced for our protection.

The trail begins at the amphitheater across from the teacher's parking lot. It winds through the woods and comes out back of the new wing. If the path to the left is followed it goes out to Roy Road. When the new wing is completed we should be able to go out to the edge of Roy Rd. and up the side of it to the playing field side of our school. The media center has classroom collections of tree and insect guide books. There are hand lens and bug boxes to check-out. Also, a microscope is available for a closer view of a specimen.

A large number of classes can be on the trail with adult supervision at a time. The important thing to remember is that there is poison oak/ivy briars along the trail. We must only take pictures and leave footprints. Any presentations to take place need to be scheduled with the school secretary to prevent conflicts.

Two other important rules:

NO vehicles of any sort are allowed - that includes bikes, motorcycles, 4-wheelers, trucks, etc.

NO food taken or eaten there