There's just something about watching a child discover something in nature for the first time.

Maybe it's a bug.

Or a deer print.

Maybe even a snake (ewww, maybe not the snake).

But seeing children soak in their environment is as breathtaking as it is entertaining.

I remember a year ago, my own children were on the second-grade Neil Pit field trip near Palestine. The private conservation area maintained by Marathon Petroleum was a great experience for them. They learned about bees (well, Dad helped present this one so I'm not so sure they didn't chime in as well); learned how they could estimate the age of a tree; found animal prints, antlers and more on a nature hike; made turkey calls and sun photos; and then dissected owl pellets (that made for some hilarious photos).

When I was asked to photograph the annual second-grade field trip to Neil Pit again, I jumped at the chance.

This time, a new batch of second-graders from Oblong, Palestine, Hutsonville and New Hebron Christian schools experienced slightly different stations.

The day started out unseasonable cool but sunny as the children popped off the buses and vans full of excitement.

After a quick run through the agenda, the students headed out to explore nature via stations including topics such as: bees, trees, nature walk, crafts, flowers, and solar crafts. Most stations were hands-on, and the students couldn't wait to dig in.

Each child received their own nature pack including a clipboard, binoculars, and a bag to carry all the goodies they'd be taking home.

Whether it was making tissue paper butterflies, dissecting flowers, or peddling a stationery bike to turn on a light bulb, there were smiles everywhere.

I'm not sure who was smiling more: the children or the Marathon employee and helpers who put it all together. Truly a great school event!