Browntail moth caterpillars have become a major problem for the Midcoast area and Juniper Hill School for Place-Based education in Alna is no exception. School parent Carl Wilson spent a recent sunny Sunday cutting branches of the school’s apple trees that have been invaded by the browntail month. Ably assisted by his wife, Anne Simpson, Wilson was able to clear away the infestation.
Wilson and Simpson’s children are avid climbers of the trees, as are the majority of the Juniper Hill students. Wilson and Simpson want to be sure that the trees will be available to the students of the school this coming spring. Last fall, the trees were off-limits to the children because the numbers of the caterpillars had increased considerably last spring.
There are no climbing frames or other manufactured playground equipment at the school with the exception of ziplines. Instead, the children use the natural resources, such as trees, stumps, rocks, and ropes over branches to climb, swing, balance, and ride. These materials enhance their gross motor and problem-solving skills.
Preparations and contributions by parents are typical in the Juniper Hill community. The school invites all interested families, educators, neighbors, and local community members to 180 Golden Ridge Road in Alna on Saturday, March 2. Juniper Hill School for Place-Based Education will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to noon that day. The faculty, staff, and parent representatives will be on hand for tours of the school and conversation about its programs and vision.