Hillcrest HS Students Visit Starved Rock

Science students from Hillcrest High School took a breathtaking field trip to Starved Rock to discover more about science. Mrs. Kristin Cardinal's AP Biology class and Mr. Tony Rappold’s Ecology class took their journey to Oglesby, Illinois to learn about the nature and previous history of Starved Rock.
Starved Rock, having the most astonishing views of nature, attracts thousands of visitors. From the sandstone cliffs to the waterfalls, Starved Rock always has something to ‘wow’ its visitors. Starved Rock is well-known for the hiking trails, steep stairs, and its beautiful scenery. The hiking trails are a vital component that attracts people to visit the park especially for those who like to be outdoors.
The foremost reason for visiting Starved Rock, according to Mrs. Cardinal, “was to look at the flora and fauna of native Illinois.” Students who went along with her and Mr. Rappold learned about how plants grow and the different micro climates due to water.
Mr. Rappold and Mrs. Cardinal were amazed how students took the information given by the tour guide and related it to other aspects of science and they connected it to what they have learned in class.
According to Sydney Varnado, a biology student, she “learned about the legend of Starved Rock where apparently the Native Americans were chased up the huge cliffs by another group of Native Americans to where they surrounded them and starved them to death.” Another Biology student, Alonzo Arostegui, mentioned that he learned about “the story that inspired the park's name” and said that he was “interested in the sandstone ravines and the process through which they are created.” Both students appreciated the views of Starved Rock and both said that if they had a chance, they would go there again.