HANSVILLE — One of the crowning jewels of nature’s paradise in North Kitsap, the Hansville Greenways at Buck Lake County Park encompasses 200 acres of pristine land. The huge swath of forest, which is home to hundreds of birds and four legged critters, welcomed a happy band of two-legged visitors Wednesday.

Annually, fifth graders from throughout the North Kitsap School District converge on the Greenways to view nature at its finest.

Vinland Elementary students in fifth grade teacher Bindi Aujla’s class were among the latest group to stretch their legs on the vast trail network and enjoy the scenery.

“This is the seventh class that has visited this spring,” said HGC president Ken Shawcroft. “We expect a total of eight classes with a total of about 300 students to come here for field trips.”

In 1997, Kitsap Land Trust provided funding to the North Kitsap School District to implement the outdoor education program for fifth grade students.

“A curriculum was put together that included a field trip here for fifth graders,” Shawcroft said.

After arriving at the site, students break off into three groups where they learn about specific aspects of wildlife in the greenways.

“They rotate through three different habitat sites,” Shawcroft said. “The habitats are meadows, pond, and the forest. We have three specialists who have a large amount of experience in their particular habitat leading the tours.”

Ralph Rogers, of the Environmental Protection Agency, led one group of students and their parents on a 1.5 mile walk along the trails.

“I have already seen 12 species of birds on the walk so far,” he told the students.

Upon arrival at ___________, Rogers gave students a history lesson of the land they were standing upon and the water they were viewing.

“Almost 100,000 years ago there was a massive ice sheet covering most of Washington,” he said. “Where we’re standing now the ice was half of a mile thick. Just imagine that. There was no vegetation. It was just ice.”

Debbie Thomas of the Kitsap County PUD, also was in attendance, leading a group of students through the meadow portion of the Hansville Greenways.

“It’s great for students. It gives them a chance to learn about the natural environment,” she said. “By being out here they learn the value of preserving the environment.”

Thomas said it gives students a chance to explore something they may not have been able to otherwise.

“When they’re out here they become totally immersed into nature,” she said. “We do lots of hands on activities in the greenways. They get to experience it. They get to touch it. Sometimes kids are playing video games instead of being outside. When they’re out here they enjoy what they’re doing.”

Shawcroft said he is glad students have the opportunity to participate in the unique field trips.

“This lets them know how cool the outdoors and nature are,” he said. “It’s a great experience for them.”

It’s important for students to recognize how special the Hansville Greenways and Buck Lake County Park are, Shawcroft said.

“The land is preserved,” he said. “That means you can come out here 50 years from now with your grandchildren and this place won’t be that much different. In 50 years, you will be able to walk the same trails.”

Since Shawcroft has been coordinating the spring field trips for years, he routinely comes across track athletes who remember him and the experience. Shawcroft is an assistant track coach for the North Kitsap Vikings.

“When the season starts I always have kids come up to me saying, ‘Aren’t you the Buck Lake guy?’ They remember me from the field trips,” he said. “That’s pretty cool.”