Donna Plunkett, a science teacher at The Donoho School, was one of 19 teachers who spent the week of June 25-July 2 touring Alabama and learning about natural sciences in the prestigious “Mountains to the Gulf” workshop sponsored by Legacy-Partners in Environmental Education, McDowell Environmental Center, Alabama Water Watch, JSU Field Schools, Gulf of Mexico Alliance and Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Dr. Jim Lacefield, a geologist and author, Dr. Bill Deutsch of Auburn University and Alabama Water Watch, and Dr. George Cline, a herpetologist at Jacksonville State University, each helped the teachers hone their science skills. Dr. Cline spoke about the different flora and fauna of the various regions, Dr. Lacefield discussed the characteristics of specific geology, and Dr. Deusch explained how the geology shaped the local watersheds.

The group enjoyed activities at McDowell Environmental Center, Little River Canyon, Cheaha State Park, Elkahatchee Creek near Alex City, and the impact crater in Wetumpka. They canoed the Coosa River and searched for fossils near the Conecuh River before winding up at Dauphin Island’s Sea Lab.