Outdoor Learning Environments RESOURCE GUIDE
Table of Contents Redefining Outdoor Classrooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Stepping Through the New Three-Phase Grant Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Phase One: Exploratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Outdoor Learning Environments Need Deep Roots
Phase Two: Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Working With Designers and Native Plant Specialists
Phase Three: Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Site Establishment and Maintenance
Links to Other Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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Redefining Outdoor Classrooms In an effort to reinvigorate outdoor classroom projects across the state, Prairie Rivers of Iowa in partnership with Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund has researched existing sites in Iowa and looked nationwide for other successful outdoor classroom examples. Results from the research indicated that most outdoor classroom projects currently in the state have become inactive or experience very low use rates. This is often because of staff turnover or lack of community interest and support as the project ages. Based on the research conducted, a new grant program is being launched — one that redefines outdoor classrooms as outdoor learning environments.
What is an outdoor learning environment? We define it as “a deliberately selected or designed outdoor setting, used and supported by many in the community, that provides an intentional space for exploration, inquiry, and learning to empower environmental literacy and education in any discipline.”
An outdoor learning environment can be located at a school, at a community location like a library, in a park, as a thoughtfully planned space adjacent to a natural area, or in other places where the outdoor setting can enhance educational opportunities for learners of any age.
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Stepping Through the New Three-Phase Grant Program A new three-phase grant program has been developed to help communities create dynamic, long-lasting, and sustainable outdoor learning environments. The goal is to create spaces that cater to the needs of each community by utilizing a thoughtful planning and design process while garnering public support. The applicant must be a representative of a public group, including county conservation boards, non-profit organizations, schools, garden clubs, libraries, or other interested organizations. The space must be located on publicly owned land.
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Planning and Design 30
Successful outdoor learning environments feature intentional spaces, foster intentional learning, and gain intentional community support. Research conducted on the development of outdoor learning environments puts a significant focus on preparation. Indeed, literature suggests outdoor learning environment projects should not proceed unless they can demonstrate the likelihood of strong support and well-developed learning integration. Rather than focusing solely on securing funds or donation of materials to create a site, implementers are advised to focus effort on ensuring sites will be well-maintained and used over time. User involvement throughout the design, implementation, and maintenance periods is important, as is building a strong community of supporters.
Exploratory
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Implementation Establishment & Maintenance Educational Programming
Outdoor Learning Environment Grant Program The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) Coordinator at Prairie Rivers of Iowa will help facilitate the development of your project through the grant program. Phase One: Exploratory
Phase Three: Implementation
The exploratory phase will help establish the community of stakeholders who will support the project and who are vital to successful long-term planning, development, and maintenance.
The implementation phase is an exciting time for your project where shovels begin breaking soil and plants start putting down roots. This is the actual installation of the project. From just a simple idea the magic unfolds as a new outdoor learning environment becomes a reality. This is when a thorough plan will be most helpful for organizing all the different elements of installation including scheduling, volunteer management, and construction.
Phase Two: Planning and Design The planning and design phase is when the organized team works with a designer and native plant specialist to develop a plan for your project. At the completion of this phase, your phased implementation plan will include identified existing resources, site location, establishment and maintenance plans, a design for the space, and a budget outline.
Now, having built your wonderful outdoor learning environment, you can enjoy a successful community asset. Although, the work doesn’t end here as you continue adding new elements to your space, develop educational programming, and follow establishment and maintenance plans.
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Phase One: Exploratory Outdoor Learning Environments Need Deep Roots To make these projects successful, project leaders should initially invest time exploring all viable options of their project. The idea that outdoor learning environments need deep roots provides a double meaning. One using deep roots as an apt metaphor illustrating the need to have a strong base of support from multiple people and groups that feed energy to your project. Another literal interpretation is plants growing deep roots to provide many benefits ecologically and physically to your project. Reference the Exploratory checklist on the next page to see more details.
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Exploratory Checklist q Contact the Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) Coordinator at Prairie Rivers of Iowa to discuss your project Phone: 515-232-0048 or Email: outdoorlearning@prrcd.org q Form a committee of project stakeholders
• maintenance providers (site managers, garden clubs, neighborhood groups, youth groups) • administration • active community members • local and regional partnering organizations • students and teachers or infomal educators
q Fill out the Exploratory Grant application • $300 is available to support project organization needs • read and follow the application instructions in the grant application file • write a narrative that describes: - your overall vision - need for your community - who will be using the site - learning opportunity ideas
q Submit your application by email to the OLE Coordinator at outdoorlearning@prrcd.org q Receive grant approval notification from the OLE Coordinator q Host several meetings with your stakeholder group to discuss the following:
• goals • project ideas and resources • desired partnerships • writing letters of support • other topics as needed
q Prepare and submit a final report describing your process to the OLE Coordinator
• The final report for the Exploratory Grant can be your application for the Planning and Design Grant • An expenditure report with a brief explanation of spending with attached receipts is required for reimbursement
Ask the OLE Coordinator for the application or download at: www.prrcd.org/olegrant
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Phase Two: Planning and Design Working With a Designer and Native Plant Specialist Now that you have gathered a group of stakeholders and partners who have identified goals for your 30
project, it is time to do some more in-depth planning Jan
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and design. For this you may need to hire a native plant specialist and design consultant. Design services are the main budget expense of Phase Two funding. Phase Two also requires a 20% match of the total eligible expenses, which can be a cash or in-kind match. To use staff or volunteer hours as match, you must keep a detailed record of tasks, hours spent, meeting times, and attendance. At the end of the second phase you should have a detailed site design including a plan for native plant establishment and maintenance. See the checklist on the next page for more details.
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Planning & Design Checklist q Contact the Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) Coordinator at Prairie Rivers of Iowa to discuss your project
Phone: 515-232-0048 or Email: outdoorlearning@prrcd.org
q Fill out the Planning and Design Grant application • $10,000 is available to support project organization needs and design costs • read and follow the application instructions in the grant application file • submit letters of support from stakeholders and a detailed site map with application
q Submit your application by email to the OLE Coordinator at outdoorlearning@prrcd.org q Receive approval letter and sign a grant agreement from LRTF q Schedule site analysis and design workshops with your team and your consultants • • •
Consultants will conduct site analysis and will require available existing site documentation Express your group’s ideas for the space to your consultants Consultants will develop planning and design documentation that includes: - Site location with water source identified - Appropriately sized project that balances space needs and group’s maintenance capabilities - Scaled site plan and section drawings - Native species selection based on growing conditions - Native plant establishment plan - Long-term maintenance plan - Supplies and equipment needed - Budget for the project - Site identification signage - Interpretation panels
q Work with the OLE Coordinator and partners on developing programming ideas and educational opportunities for the space q Send quarterly expenditure reports and receipts to OLE Coordinator to receive reimbursements to pay designers/consultants q Prepare and submit your final report to the OLE Coordinator
Ask the OLE Coordinator for the application or download at: www.prrcd.org/olegrant
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Phase Three: Implementation Establishment and Maintenance After gathering your stakeholder group and developing a plan, it is now time to actually get the project constructed. This can become a complicated phase, but with extensive prior planning efforts and coordination it will be simplified. The Implementation grant funding can mainly cover up to $15,000 of LRTF-approved native Iowa plant materials and educational signage. This grant also requires a 20% match of the total project cost. The rest of your project needs must be filled through other funding sources, volunteer support, stakeholders, and local resources. The OLE Coordinator can assist with this effort. See the checklist on next page for more information.
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Implementation Checklist q Contact the Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) Coordinator at Prairie Rivers of Iowa to discuss your project Phone: 515-232-0048 or Email: outdoorlearning@prrcd.org q Fill out the Implementation grant application and submit to OLE Coordinator at outdoorlearning@prrcd.org q q q q
Receive approval to begin implementation and sign grant agreement from LRTF Hire a contractor and organize local resources with guidance from OLE Coordinator and consultants Order project supplies based on project timeline and phasing Recruit additional volunteers for the installation
This project could involve local students, FFA members, 4-H, Scouts, garden clubs, city park and recreation, or vocational training programs. The more people who have invested time in the project, the more support and long-term interest you will find in the community.
q Site preparation and construction of structural site elements q Seeding and planting of space q Interpretive panels and recognition sign construction q Follow establishment plan:
In general, the first few years will require diligent and selective weeding and mowing. Adequate water and weed control are the most critical for quality establishment. Native species are more tolerant to dry conditions, but it is favorable in the first year to help them get established by watering during dry spells. In the third year the site should be well-established and able to thrive. Refer to your establishment plan for specific guidance.
q Follow maintenance plan:
This is important for maintaining the integrity of your site and keeping the community feeling positive about the space. If weedy species are taking over it may be time to do some hand weeding. In general, a mowing schedule is important to developing and maintaining your space. A controlled burn can be used in some instances after consulting with professionals such as your local county conservation board and officials including the local fire department. Fire is a natural control for prairies and controls woody species from encroaching while stimulating growth in the native grasses and forbs. Refer to your maintenance plan for specific guidance.
q q q q
Create a promotional plan and education plan for the project and publicize it to the community Host a project celebration event Submit quarterly reports and final grant report to the OLE Coordinator with expenditure report and receipts Enjoy your space!
Keep in mind that as a living educational space it will always be added to, changing, maturing, and experience new developments over time.
Ask the OLE Coordinator for the application or download at: www.prrcd.org/olegrant
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Links to Other Resources
Explore through all of these different resources to learn more about outdoor learning environments, Iowa native plants, funding options, curriculum development, partnership opportunities, and more! Be sure to visit the Prairie Rivers of Iowa OLE webpage at www.prrcd.org to stay updated on the program. We want you to be successful at establishing your outdoor learning environment! Here are several suggested links to explore of people who may support your application through in-kind time or financially through grants and donations. Be sure to investigate your local supporters and resources in your area!
Government Agencies
Iowa Public Universities
Iowa DOT Living Roadways Trust Fund — www.iowadot.gov/lrtf
Iowa State University
Resources include a few different grant programs to fund native plantings. These can be found under their “Grants” tab. There is also a nice database of native and invasive plants. They have several posters, pamphlets, and CDs available to order for free. They also have a “resources” tab which includes links to a lot of other great information. Iowa DOT does not endorse other listed sources.
University of Iowa
Iowa Department of Natural Resources: For Teachers • www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/For-Teachers • www.iowadnr.gov/Education.aspx Project WILD and Aquatic WILD, Project Learning Tree
Iowa Water Science Center — www.ia.water.usgs.gov Iowa Department of Education — www.educateiowa.gov US Forest Service — www.fs.fed.us — OR — www.fs.fed.us.learn/kids • • • •
www.fs.usda.gov/main/conservationeducation/student-corner/junior-snow-ranger www.fs.usda.gov/main/conservationconnection/smokey-woodsy/woodsy-owl www.smokeybear.com/en/for-educators/elementary-resources www.discovertheforest.org
US Fish and Wildlife Service — www.fws.gov/midwest • • • •
Conservation Connect — www.training.fws.gov/conservationconnect Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide — www.fws.gov/cno/pdf/HabitatGuideColor.pdf Transforming Youth Outdoors — www.mytyo.org Monarch Joint Venture — www.monarchjointventure.org
National Conservation Training Center • www.nctc.fws.gov/programs/education-outreach/resources
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit — www.cfwru.iastate.edu US Geological Survey (USGS) — www.usgs.gov Association of County Conservation — www.mycountyparks.com/Info/IACCB.aspx
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Extension — www.extension.iastate.edu Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture — www.leopold.iastate.edu Iowa Lakeside Laboratory — www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/lakesidelab/
University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) — www.uni.edu/ceee
Educational Groups University of Minnesota Extension Driven to Discover Citizen-Science Program — www.extension.umn.edu/environment/citizen-science/driven-to-discover/ Iowa Academy of Science (IAS) — www.iacad.org The Outdoor Classroom Project — www.outdoorclassroomproject.org Nature Explore — www.natureexplore.org Community Connection — www.natureexplore.org/community connection Nature Explore Families’ Club Kit — www.natureexplore.org/families World Forum Foundation — www.worldforumfoundation.org North American Association for Environmental Education — www.naaee.org QRIS Learning Network — www.qrisnetwork.org Schlitz Audubon Nature Center — www.schlitzaudubon.org Wild Ones – Seeds for Education — www.wildones.org Camp Silos — www.campsilos.org Take a Kid Outdoors — www.takeakidoutdoors.org Teachers Going Green — www.teachers-going-green.com Iowa Conservation Education Coalition — www.iowaee.org Environmental Issues Education — www.uiu.edu/academics/department/eii Area Education Agencies – AEA — www.iowaaea.org Iowa CORE curriculum — www.iowacore.gov Next Generation Science Standards — www.nextgenscience.org
Conservation Organizations
Childhood Development Groups
Prairie Rivers of Iowa — www.prrcd.org Iowa League of RC & D’s — iowaleaguercd.org Tallgrass Prairie Center — www.tallgrassprairiecenter.org Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge — www.fws.gov/refuge/neal_smith Friends of Neal Smith — www.tallgrass.org Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center — www.npwrc.usgs.gov Trees Forever — www.treesforever.org Iowa Prairie Network — www.iowaprairienetwork.org Plant Iowa Native — www.plantiowanative.com Monarch Watch — www.monarchwatch.org Monarch Joint Venture — www.monarchjointventure.org Xerxes Society — www.xerces.org Keep Iowa Beautiful — www.keepiowabeautiful.com Iowa Native Plant Society — iowanativeplants.org/grants.php Bass Angler Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) — www.iabass.com Bass Federation – Student Angler Federation — www.highschoolfishing.org Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) — www.cdiowa.org Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) — www.ducks.org Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association (HFFA) — www.hawkeyeflyfishing.com Iowa Association of Naturalists (IAN) — www.iowanaturalists.org Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) — www.iaenvironment.org Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) — www.inhf.org Iowa Ornithologist Union (IOU) — www.iowabirds.org Iowa Prairie Network (IPN) — www.iowaprairienetwork.org Izaak Walton League of America, Iowa Division (IWLA) — www.iowaikes.org Loess Hills Alliance — www.loesshilssalliance.com National Arbor Day Foundation — www.arborday.org National Audubon Society (Iowa Audubon) — www.audubon.org National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) — www.nwtf.com National Wildlife Federation (NWF) — www.nwf.org Nature Conservancy, Iowa Chapter — www.tnc.org/iowa Pheasants Forever (PF) — www.pheasantsforever.org Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) — www.practicalfarmers.org Saving Our Avian Resources (S.O.A.R.) — www.soarraptors.org Trout Unlimited (TU) — www.tu.org Whitetails Unlimited (WTU) — www.whitetailsunlimited.com
Child and Nature Network — www.childrenandnature.org Child Educational Center — www.ceconline.org Dimensions Foundation — www.dimensionsfoundation.org Harvard University Center for the Developing Child — www.developingchild.harvard.edu Hope 4 Kids Preschool and Infant Toddler Center — www.hope4kidspreschool.org Law and Civics Writing and Reading Institute — www.lcrwi.org Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children — www.secure.iaeyc.org Allan Hancock College — www.hancockcollege.edu/childrens_center Boulder Journey School — www.boulderjourneyschool.com Growing Up Boulder — www.growingupboulder.org Natural Start Alliance — www.naturalstart.org
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Contact the OLE Coordinator to begin your project today!
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“I never teach my pupils, I only provide the conditions in which they can learn.” -Albert Einstein
Phone: 515-232-0048 Email: outdoorlearning@prrcd.org Funded by Iowa’s Living Roadway Trust Fund for the purpose of developing the Outdoor Learning Environment Program