Students in Eric Nelson’s Wilderness Studies Class at Bishop Seabury Academy have been working on a rugged trail clearing project in Dad Perry Park this fall. The project involves cutting and dragging trees and bushes that had grown to block and obscure the trails. Eric is a science teacher at the school and a FLAT Board Member.

“The goal of my class was to re-open the colored trails on the map pictured below. Thus far, we have completed the big loop on the map. We are poised to cut some of the secondary trails. Most of the work has been done by the class with hand saws and nippers. To clear bigger trees and brush I use my chain saw and the students work to drag the debris off the trail. My class is made of high school seniors who have found the work to be fun and fulfilling.

We have made a lot of progress, as the honeysuckle was unchecked for an extended period. The semester is getting short so we will try our best to open what we can and then I will try to maintain it each year. I intend to use student labor again next year to maintain and make further progress.” — Eric Nelson

About the Park

Dad Perry Park is a 45-acre space filled with naturally wooded areas, native grasses, which includes nature trails that wind throughout the park. In addition, two large park shelters with restrooms and parking are available.

The mile long trail is a moderately challenging loop with various routes. The trail takes about 22 min to complete. It is great for birding, hiking, and running. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

There are a lot of different routes you can take to make your hike as long or as short as you’d like. The main trailhead is just behind the shelter at Dad Perry Park North. The parking lot is off Harvard just east of the roundabout at Monterey Way.

The park was purchased in 1967 with Housing and Urban Development matching funds and is named in honor of L.R. “Dad” Perry. Perry was a teacher and coach in the Lawrence School District and a member of the City of Lawrence Recreation Board.

About Eric Nelson

Eric began working at Bishop Seabury Academy as a middle school basketball coach in 2002, and subsequently was hired to teach science. He earned his undergraduate degree in science education from Northern Arizona University and a Masters from the University of Washington.  Eric enjoys the outdoors in his spare time and is an avid cyclist and hunter who enjoys anything involving competition. In addition to teaching Chemistry and Wilderness Studies, he served as the school’s AD for many years and as a cross country coach. Eric was awarded the 2024 Kansas High School Science Teacher of the Year for Geology.