MASSENA — Nicandri Nature Center in Massena hosted Dr. Alexander Stewart, a geologist and professor at St. Lawrence University, who led an interactive tree-ring demonstration for kids from the North Country community over their spring break.

The session brought young nature enthusiasts face to face with the science behind tree coring and dendrochronology, helping them explore how trees grow, age, and respond to their environment.

Dr. Stewart guided them in understanding how we read a tree’s life story through its rings, tying in ecology, climate, and geology in an accessible, hands-on way.

“The Nicandri Nature Center has become a hub for environmental learning and community connection, and this visit captured the heart of what it stands for, sparking curiosity and stewardship in the next generation,” said Krystyna Kowalski, who submitted the photos.