By ODNR
Discovery School in Mansfield has been dedicated in April as an official WILD School Site, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Discovery School is the 198th WILD School Site dedicated in Ohio and the fourth in Richland County. Students at the school planted native wildflowers, maintained bluebird boxes, and removed invasive plants. This private pre-K to sixth-grade school sits on 40 acres of woods, fields, and streams and is focused on nature-based learning. Every classroom has a door to the outdoors.
An outdoor classroom allows classes to be conducted outdoors and students frequently spend time observing nature and wildlife throughout the property. A vernal pool was cleaned out and now serves as a study site for students to learn about seasonal changes. Taking hikes to identify area plants and animals is also popular with students.
The WILD School Sites program, administered here in Ohio by the Division of Wildlife, is considered an action extension of the national Project WILD program. Any educational property used by students, educators, and the local community as a place to learn about and benefit from wildlife and the environment can be certified. The sites function within the premise that every site, regardless of size and location, can provide outdoor educational opportunities that can and should be part of an integrated environmental education program. WILD School Sites that demonstrate program development and site enhancement consistent with the premises outlined in this program are eligible for certification as an official Ohio WILD School Site. Learn more at wildohio.gov.
Learn more about WILD School Sites and outdoor education opportunities at wildohio.gov.
Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash
