Niles Nature Trail
It has long been a dream of the Niles Adventist School to have nature trails on the property adjacent to the school. This property, although owned by the Niles Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church, has not been developed for use. The teacher would occasionally take students into the open fields portions for games and "Outdoor Class" but the wooded area was not really accessible.
In the spring of 2007, one of the teachers: Heidi Beardsley, proposed to the school board that a committee be set up to develop trails through the wooded portion. This would give access to the students for the flora and fauna that is unique to wooded areas. This would facilitate access to the cleared area to the east of Arbor without having the kids walk on Arbor Drive. Trials would also allow better access to the woods without having the children deal with sticker burrs, poison ivy, thorns, and other things. Trails would also allow access to church members to take their families on a walk through the woods for their own enjoyment and education.
The school board agreed and recommended to the church board that a committee be established. The church board agreed and as a result over half a mile of trails have been developed in this first phase. The trails are already in use by the school and church. More trail development is planned along with a meeting area for nature talks and outdoor worship meetings. In addition, plans are being made for adding seating along the trails and signs.
Recently, on October 13, after church potluck, a group of children took a walk along the trails. The children were in the age range of 5-8 and each had a list of things to find on the trail. The adults reported that the children enjoyed their “hunt”. The school has been taking children on the trails for nature lessons since the first week of school. There have also been worship services conducted for the children in a clearing in the woods
Deer have been seen by many. A black squirrel has also been seen.
Updated March 5, 2008