Ansbach elementary students celebrate Earth Day at Soldier Lake
ANSBACH, Germany – Third through fifth grade students from Ansbach Elementary School took learning beyond the classroom with a special Earth Day field trip to Soldier Lake on USAG Ansbach. Under clear blue skies and beautiful sunshine, students spent the day exploring nature while learning practical ways to care for the environment.
The Earth Day celebration featured eight interactive learning stations that allowed students to rotate through a variety of hands-on experiences. At one station, students learned about different types of trees that grow in Germany and why these trees are important to local ecosystems. Another favorite station introduced students to beekeeping, where they learned how bees help pollinate plants and support food production.
Students also explored how to care for livestock, gaining insight into responsible animal care and agriculture. At the lake-focused station, students discovered insects and animals that live in local lakes, helping them better understand aquatic ecosystems close to home. Environmental responsibility was reinforced at stations focused on properly recycling and sorting trash, emphasizing why those actions are important for protecting the planet. Another station taught fire safety, highlighting how prevention helps keep people, wildlife, and natural spaces safe.
The event was organized by Pia A. Amberger, an Environmental Engineer with the USAG Ansbach Environmental Management Division. Amberger carefully planned the day to ensure it was both educational and memorable for all participants. She also volunteers regularly with the school, most recently supporting Ansbach Elementary’s STEM Night.
To help foster cultural connection Amberger also invited two classes from a local host nation school to participate in the Earth Day event. The host nation students enjoyed rotating through the stations alongside Ansbach Elementary students and spent free time mingling, sharing experiences, and building friendships. The interaction added a special dimension to the day, highlighting teamwork and community across cultures.
Teachers, volunteers, and parents played an important role in guiding students throughout the day. “This trip gave students the chance to connect what we teach in the classroom to the real world,” said Anna Rudolph, teacher. “Seeing their excitement as they learned outdoors made Earth Day truly meaningful.”
Students shared that the hands-on learning made a lasting impression. “My favorite part was learning about the animals that live in the lake,” said Adonis P. third-grade student. “I didn’t know there were so many insects and fish right here. It made me want to take better care of the environment.”
Parent volunteers were equally inspired. “It was amazing to see how engaged the kids were at every station,” said Merriah Wilson, parent. “They were curious, respectful, and excited to learn. Events like this show how powerful outdoor education can be.”
Overall, the Earth Day field trip to Soldier Lake was a successful celebration of learning, environmental stewardship, and community. Ansbach Elementary’s third through fifth grade students returned to school with new knowledge, meaningful memories, and a renewed commitment to caring for the Earth.
