Archive for December, 2008

Forestry Learning Station

Posted by Mike K

December 30, 2008

Have you heard of Aldo Leopold? He was an American ecologist, forester and environmentalist. He was also very influential in the development of modern environmental ethics and in the movement for wilderness preservation.

I think Aldo would have been proud of our new Forestry Learning Station at the Watershed Center. The Learning Station is located just off the Doline Loop trail, on the edge of a pronounced sinkhole in the upland forest. Using a grant from the LAD foundation and labor organized by Dave Sturdevant, volunteers built Leopold Benches for the spot. The benches can accommodate a solitary hiker or a whole class. To add to the experience, three interpretive signs, titled “Forests and Watersheds”, “Forest Management”, and “Forest Ecosystems” accompany the Benches. Many thanks to those who helped on this project.

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The Little Bridge

Posted by Mike K

December 30, 2008

The “little bridge” at the Watershed Center has turned into a big project! The stream that flows into the lake posed a major barrier to hikers and students during times of high water. With the help of Greene County, a motivated Boy Scout, and the North Side Rotary, our bridge is complete! The Jon Williams original design spans 21 feet and is about 9 feet over the stream bed in the center.

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Kelley-Stokes Pedestrian Bridge

Posted by Matt K

December 30, 2008

The Kelley–Stokes Pedestrian Bridge was dedicated on Friday, November 14th at Valley Water Mill. The bridge is made out of 95% recycled steel and recycled composite decking, is 105 foot long and completes the two and 0ne-half mile walking trail around the site.

Funding was made available through a Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program Grant.

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W.O.L.F. School at Valley Water Mill

Posted by Mike K

December 30, 2008

Outdoor education is unpredictable. The Springfield W.O.L.F. school (Wonders of the Outdoors LearningFacility) recently visited the Watershed Center on a field trip. In between lessons about forests and watersheds, we saw a murder. A murder (or flock) of crows that is. The flock was raucous, and we crept closer to investigate. Suddenly, a great horned owl appeared and flew right past us, with the angry crows divebombing it all the way. As if that wasn’t enough, seconds later a coyote appeared and ran right past us, only yards away!

I am thankful that Springfield students have a chance to participate in the W.O.L.F. school. I am also thankful that the Watershed Center can provide a variety of meaningful experiences for any group, students included. The predictable part of outdoor education is this: as students’ sharpen academic skills, they also have a chance to experience the magic and wonder of nature.

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The Little Bridge

Posted by Mike K

December 16, 2008

The “little bridge” at the Watershed Center has been a big project! The stream that flows into the lake posed a major barrier to hikers and students in times of high water. With the help of Greene County, a motivated Boy Scout, and the North Side Rotary our bridge is almost complete! The Jon Williams original design spans 21 feet and is about 9 feet over the stream in the center.