Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Eight first-year Westminster College students from a variety of majors traveled to Cook Forest State Park in September as part of a Westminster Away course, spending a weekend immersed in nature and reflective learning.
The interdisciplinary domestic travel course, WST 520: Nature and Identity, was developed by Dr. Deanne Buffalari, associate professor of neuroscience, and Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of environmental science. Throughout the course, students explored how time spent in nature influences personal identity and shapes relationships with the world and with others.
The weekend included opportunities for students to learn directly from the forest as well as from people deeply connected to Cook Forest, including educational experts, volunteers and local business owners.
A highlight of the trip was the opportunity to give back to Cook Forest through a trail-cleanup collaboration with Friends of Cook Forest. Students collected litter and cleared natural debris from footbridges along the Cathedral Forest trails, helping to keep pathways clean and safe for hikers.
Students also visited one of the forest’s oldest trees—an eastern hemlock estimated to be 350 years old—an experience left a strong impression.
“I’m grateful to know of such a beautiful secret that is hidden deep in the forest,” said Valen Henry, a first-year environmental science major from Harrisburg, Pa. “I am one small part of its life span, but I feel connected to it. The old-growth forest was majestic and I think everyone should see it.”
First-year music education major Charlotte Grubbs of Enon, Ohio, said the weekend “really showed me how quickly connections can deepen when distractions are removed and how interesting and rich the world around us becomes when you really look at it. I now remember to slow down and stay curious about the people and places around me.”
Westminster Away is a domestic travel course initiative designed to enhance academic learning through immersive travel experiences. Questions about this course can be directed to Buffalari at buffald@westminster.edu or Boylan at boylanhm@westminster.edu.
