Hope Elementary School science teacher Colin Amundsen was awarded a grant to create a nature trail and outdoor classroom on a one-acre piece of gifted property adjacent to the school campus. Having an outdoor space, Amundsen says, will allow students to better explore their local environment and have a richer learning experience. “Experiences in the field are unparalleled in meaning and, honestly, more fun than solely in a four-walled classroom,” says the former field scientist.
One component of the nature trail will be planting native trees that are a benefit to local watersheds. Native plant species, with deep root systems filter groundwater, as well as minimize flooding in flood-prone locations. Planned completion of the project is slated for mid-June.
Photo: Colin Amundsen (far left) with teachers and students from Hope Elementary School.
