Liedall Outdoor Learning Lab
Located at Ferndale Elementary School
53445 W Ferndale Road

Background

In the fall of 2002, Ferndale teachers requested help from the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council (Council) in expanding an existing garden area, the Liedall Memorial Garden-named for a former teacher, to incorporate more learning and student experiences.

The nearly acre site includes approximately four hundred feet of a small stream fed by a large spring located to the south off school property. The site was largely grass sod used for a play ground. The stream was covered over by a mass of blackberry vines reaching 6-10 feet in height and up to 12 feet in width. A road fill across the stream at the north end has created a small pond with cattails.

The Council staff provided technical and planning skills to the school staff in determining goals, location and size, and design of the learning lab. Initial Council funding came largely from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) and other Council sources. Initial work of removing blackberries from the west side of the creek and sod was begun in late December 2003 by a parent volunteer contractor. Students began service learning projects soon after.

Council involvement continues through the STELLAR Coordinator who provides planning and technical assistance as well as hands-on learning opportunities for students in a streamkeeper program during school and an after school science club.

Goals for Liedall

Photos

Funding

Sample of Progress Reports