Partners for Student Success (P4SS) middle school program participants will take part in a field trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Through a combination of classroom preparation, hands-on environmental stewardship, photography, and reflection, students will deepen their understanding of ecosystems and explore how small changes can have significant effects on the natural environment.

Before the field trip, students will participate in environmental education activities focused on ecosystems, species interdependence, and the ways changes to one part of an ecosystem can affect the system as a whole. Students will also learn about the history and significance of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as trees and other plant species native to Northeast Ohio. These lessons will provide important context for the environmental conditions and conservation work students will encounter during their visit.

Students will also receive an introduction to photography so they can document and interpret their experiences. Instruction will cover basic camera operation, lighting, framing, composition, and the elements of an effective image. Photography will encourage students to observe their surroundings closely and create a visual record of the park's landscapes, plants, stewardship activities, and other meaningful moments from the trip.

On September 26, 2026, students will travel together to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and join other participating groups in National Public Lands Day activities organized by park staff. Depending on the park's scheduled projects and current conservation needs, students may plant native trees, remove non-native or invasive plant species, or participate in other service activities. Through this hands-on experience, students will learn how individual and collective actions can contribute to healthier ecosystems and the long-term care of public lands.

Following the field trip, students will reflect on what they learned through discussion, writing, and review of their photographs. They will consider how the experience has influenced their understanding of environmental stewardship, how human actions can affect ecosystems, and what changes they can make in their own lives and communities to support the environment. The experience is intended to strengthen students' environmental awareness, sense of responsibility, observation skills, and connection to the natural and cultural resources of their region.