First and foremost, the Bent Twig Outdoor Education Area was developed by the Westwood Garden club as an educational resource for the University and community at large. The Garden Club was filled with mothers whose children were active in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Boy Scout Troops 361 and 261 were active in exploring, developing and building the Outdoor Education Center.
On May 9th, 1970, the first science classes were held at the Westwood Lodge. Led by Dr. James Townsend, Assistant Professor of Life Sciences, biology students collected plants in the undeveloped amphitheater area.
In time, the envisioned Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops utilized it for environmental and ecological badge work and day camps. Local schools visiting the natural areas for supplemental instruction taught by science faculty. Doris, Eicher, who spearheaded most of the major projects in the Outdoor Education Center, worked with the local Audubon Society in foraging programs, serving up the local greens and mushrooms she gathered in woods surrounding campus.
Today, the entire trail system is a treasure trove of science waiting to be explored by families. Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education hosts high school Environmental Science Days. Student teachers develop education curriculum on science, the environment and ecology on the nature found along the trails. Below you will find links to nature and science curriculum developed by USI teacher education candidates that is approved by their faculty. Curriculum is updated annually for the trails.
