white oak isd nature center web version

The Nature Center is a 22 acre section of land located behind the Primary building

It is currently very overgrown and undeveloped

It includes native plant and animal species, a spring fed creek, and a large forest area

Nature Center Area

The WOISD Nature Center will:› Offer students hands-on education in an

environment that cannot be duplicated in a classroom› Integrate technology and nature to bring

learning alive for students in grades K-12› Be accessible to the community and

neighboring schools to promote outdoor learning and interaction with nature

Coordinated through a steering committee comprised of educators and community members

Will be an ongoing project with development occurring in several phases

Will require time, labor, and monetary support to be completed

Phase I will be completed during the 2009/2010 school year

Survey of the Nature Center area Evaluation of the springs by the USDA

Natural Resources Conservation Dept. Preliminary testing of the ground for

pond construction Established connections for support from

the Texas Parks and Wildlife

Established resources for teacher training with Project Wild administrators

Obtained two grants-TX Parks and Wildlife for $50K and Eastman for $1K

Completion of wildflower garden development and planting

Development of Five Primary Work Stations› Water area › Erosion area› Animal habitat› Plant life – natural› Plant life – garden

Construction of a Student Pavilion Purchase of a lockable tool/equipment

building

Marking and clearing of work station areas; Community Work Day-10/24/2009

Construction of work station areas› Bridge over water area› Trail development

Procurement of monetary support for the pavilion, tool shed, and educational equipment

Future phases will include:› Wi-Fi connectivity in the Nature Center to utilize

computer programs, etc.› Labeled plants, trees, etc. throughout the Nature

Center› Amphitheatre area for presentations, etc.› Benches, observation decks, and bird-watching

areas› Water retention pond› Extension of trail system› Demonstration forest› Interdisciplinary studies

Bridges

Pavilion and Seating

Benches

Entryway to Nature Center

Observation Decks

Bird-Watching Area

Developed Trails

Flora & Fauna Labels

Sign-up to help on the community work day (10/24/2009) at www.woisd.net

Sign-up to serve on one or more of the Nature Center Development sub-committees at www.woisd.net

Donate labor, equipment, materials, and/or monetary support for different needs and future phases