“Now here’s how Native Americans used to figure out how tall a tree is,” said Lorraine Granda, a Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust board member, as she pointed to a small tree located just off of the main trail at the Slocum’s River Reserve.

Granda continued to explain the process to the 41 students, faculty, and volunteers from DeMello Elementary gathered for a hike on October 15. “They didn’t just climb up and use a tape measure. They couldn’t do that.”

Granda invited students Kyleigh Fredette and Talia DeSousa to try a technique once used by Native Americans. Both girls stood with their backs to the trees, and — bending over and staring at the tree between their legs — walked away from the trunk until they could no longer see the treetop between their legs.

Granda explained that the two had created a perfect right angle to the tree, and could use basic math to determine the exact height of the tree. It was the final lesson of the day, which also included discussions on sassafras, underbrush, and the services and programs offered by DNRT.

DNRT had organized the nature walk with DeMello Elementary through a collaborative effort, something Principal Cathy Maccini said fits into the school’s efforts to increase community outreach and engagement.

“We looked for different ways we could engage families. We wanted something fun to do outdoors,” Maccini said. “Everyone seemed to have fun and the kids loved it.”

Given the success of the school's first community hike, Maccini said she hopes to host more weekend hikes for students and their families either next spring or next fall.