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Although the property doesn’t have room for expansion, Hart says there are opportunities to keep the center fresh and interesting. For example, she recently wrote a grant to create a turtle habitat. Another grant that recently was funded will create a seed propagation station, where students, teachers and volunteers will grow seedlings for anyone in the community who wants them. Hart also wants to plant an orchard, so students will be able to deepen their education about food and horticulture. Projects like these are what keep the OLC growing and changing, and it’s not just the students who are engaged with the center’s abundance. “The Outdoor Learning Center expands the learning environment for every classroom, K-12, and provides numerous opportunities to partner with our industry neighbors, as well as with several community service organizations,” says Superintendent Arnold Adair.
‘When people get exposed to natural landscapes like this, it changes them in such great ways.’ — Cindy Hart, director of math and science
He says his own grandchildren, who attend Deer Park ISD schools, are always asking him to take them out there for another visit. “Truly, it is a happy learning place,” he says. ELIZABETH MILLARD also writes for American City Business Journals.
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TEXAS SCHOOL BUSINESS . Bragging Rights . 2014-2015