Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy Students Explore Jabarkhet Nature Reserve

Dehradun, April 23, 2026:

On 21st and 22nd April 2026, Class XII students of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy visited Jabarkhet Nature Reserve (JNR) near Mussoorie. The educational field trip was led by experienced guides, who provided valuable insights into biodiversity, ecological restoration, and cultural heritage, while also training students in essential first aid practices and the 5S principles of safety and discipline.

Established in 2013, JNR is India’s first private nature reserve, spread across 100 acres of rejuvenated forest. Once exploited for charcoal production in the 1980s, the reserve now thrives with oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, offering panoramic Himalayan views and sheltering diverse wildlife including leopards, barking deer, porcupines, Himalayan black bears, and over 150 bird species. Students explored scenic trails and ridge paths, gaining firsthand exposure to the richness of the ecosystem.

During the guided sessions, participants learned about the Rhododendron (Buras), whose red blossoms are edible while higher-altitude varieties may become poisonous. They were introduced to the underground fungal networks that enable trees to communicate, and to the Blue Pine, a species introduced by the British. Guides also explained the cultural origin of Mussoorie’s name, often linked to mans?r, a shrub native to the region. The visit concluded with an interactive session that reinforced ecological awareness and the importance of following ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.

The Academy emphasized that the trip was an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world ecological insights. Students returned with a renewed sense of responsibility toward biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and personal safety practices.