BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It was a thrill for Woodrow Wilson High School to dedicate its new wetlands outdoor classroom.
Two Woodrow students had a dream and a vision and brought it to fruition.
The project received more than $130,000 from the West Virginia Department of Transportation Recreational Trails Program.
“Since we’re on the campus of a beautiful high school, to kind of enhance the educational aspects of the wetlands,” said Pineycreek Watershed Associate Director Jim Fedders.
According to Fedders, they were already bringing out some of the biology classes to talk about the role of wetlands and the plants, and how they’re important to our environment.
“This is another way biology classes, art classes, any of the classes could come out here and utilize this space as an outdoor classroom to learn about the outdoors, learn about the wetlands, do drawings, paintings, writings, any of that sort of stuff,” the associate director said.
It was an exciting experience for one of the students who helped spearhead the wetlands project.
Thomas Spencer said they started this as two 15-year-old freshmen and are now 18-year-old seniors seeing their vision become a reality after so many years.
“To see the community come out and support us is not only inspiring, but gives us a sense of gratitude for the community and the school,” said Spencer.
“I think an outdoor classroom gives students a chance to be one with nature, to get out of the building, and to experience what we have to offer out here in terms of the local flora and fauna,” the Woodrow senior said. “I think it’s a great way to capitalize on that learning experience and to excel in it.”
