Benefits
Benefits on the Body
The outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy, an important way to help the one in three American children that are obese.
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Benefits on the Mind
Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms
schools with environmental education programs score higher on standerized tests in math, reading, writing, and listening
75% of students who spend regular time outside tend to be more creative and solve problems in the classroom faster.
Benefits of the Spirit
Nature makes you an all around better person. It enhances social media interactions, value of community, and closer relationships.
History
In the early 2000’s an Eagle scout project Attempted to Develop a gathering area, but since then it has overgrown. In 2017 Dave Landers began to explore revitalization efforts to make it again a true outdoor lab for learning. In 2013 and 2014 Natural Resource professionals help to facilitate Bioblitz’s, which aim to identify plants and animals. During this time invasive species such as Honeysuckle, Buck thorn, wild grape and others were also identified for removal. In 2014 a gathering area was developed through a green day of service project that includes a fire pit and benches made from a fallen ash tree. Trails on the western side of the stream were also cleared but accessibility continues to be an issue without a bridge. In 2014, a Wisconsin Environmental Education Board grant was received to facilitate the development and adoption of a school forest education and management plan. Throughout the 2014-15 year an advisory group met to develop this plan and present it to the school board in the fall of 2015. In the fall of 2015, the trail systems and forest usage has begun to expand.
