The arboretum at Netherwood Knoll elementary school in Oregon, Wisc., was recently certified as a “Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom,” making it only the second school to receive such certification in Wisconsin.
Students, teachers, staff and volunteers at Netherwood Knoll rehabilitated a space outside of the school into a classroom including art gardens, a stream/pond area with a waterfall, vegetable beds, and a climbing structure, the Oregon Observer reported.
The area has not only enhanced student education, but it has also brought the school and the community into greater partnership. Families donate their time on weekends, and even area high school students have volunteered to help develop and upkeep the arboretum.
Nature Explore is a collaborative program between the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation designed to use science to transform children’s lives.
