Cultivating Curiosity: Ossining High and Teatown Forge Lasting Bond

Nestled within the serene backdrop of the Lower Hudson Valley lies Teatown Lake Reservation, a sprawling 1,000-acre nature preserve that inspires the community to environmental stewardship and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. For more than two decades, Ossining High School’s (OHS) Science Research Program has partnered with the organization with the shared mission of developing the next generation of young scientists.

“Teatown is such a remarkable and unique place, providing leisure and scientific opportunities, while cultivating the ever-present need for us to conserve the environment,” said Angelo Piccirillo, Co-Director of the OHS Science Research Program. "Their dedication to environmental education allows our students to gain invaluable hands-on experiences that transcend the classroom."

On April 30, OHS students returned to Teatown as part of a groundbreaking research study titled "Nature Immersion Augments the Effects of a Stress Reappraisal Intervention Among the Adolescent Population," spearheaded by junior Mary Liguori.

Mary's research investigated the pressing need for effective stress coping mechanisms among adolescents. Over a five-week period, 34 high school students participated in the study through nature walks at Teatown, contrasting with a control group's walks in a shopping mall setting. Through comprehensive assessments utilizing measures such as the Stress Mindset Measure and Perceived Restoration Scale, Mary discerned significant differences between the nature-immersed group and the control group.

Her findings revealed that those exposed to nature exhibited healthier beliefs regarding stress and reported higher levels of perceived restoration. Although the intervention did not yield significant changes in perceived distress levels, it presents a promising avenue for adolescents to cultivate resilience amidst academic stressors and offers a novel approach to combat attention fatigue and foster mental well-being.

Another project conducted on this day by junior Reese Caparelli involved scouting ideal locations within the preserve to deploy microphones for an upcoming bird study. Reese aims to unravel the avian symphony echoing through Teatown's lush canopy.

“Not only have OHS Science Research students conducted high-caliber projects here at Teatown, but many of them have also grown up through our education programs and gone on to join our summer camp staff as counselors,” said Emily Edmonds-Langham, Teatown's Director of Education. “Through this experience, they share knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of environmental stewards.”

Indeed, the collaboration has borne fruit in the form of numerous accolades and achievements. Several of the OHS Science Research projects conducted at Teatown have garnered national recognition.

Valerie Holmes, Co-Director of OHS Science Research Program, emphasized the impact of Teatown's immersive learning environment.

"The opportunities afforded to our students at Teatown are unparalleled. From conducting field studies to engaging with local ecosystems, each visit enriches their scientific journey and fosters a sense of environmental responsibility. I greatly value the opportunities that Teatown provides which allows our students to connect to nature,” said Ms. Holmes.

In 2013, the Teatown Environmental Science Academy (TESA) was created to further enhance environmental education in the community. Teatown’s Executive Director Kevin Carter noted how the enduring collaboration with OHS served as the inspiration behind the program’s expansion.

"Without question, the OHS Science Research Program was a key driver in the creation of our summer TESA program,” noted Mr. Carter. “It has been an honor to partner and provide the students a field research experience at Teatown.”

Ossining students immersed in the Teatown experience emerge not only with newfound scientific insights but also with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. As the collaboration between the OHS Science Research Program and Teatown continues to flourish, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of hands-on education and the enduring legacy of environmental conservation.