Outdoor classroom project cultivates minds

A previously run-down backyard space is transforming into a multi-purpose outdoor education area, thanks to the efforts of Mt. Scott Learning Centers (MLSC) high school students, staff and community partners.

The makeover project – entitled “Cultivating Minds” – combines a series of volunteer work parties with a year-long gardening course that teaches students the importance of sustainability. The goal: create a natural environment where students can receive instruction and make a positive impact on not only their local environment, but broader environment as well.

“We are teaching students from the basis of ‘we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, but instead, borrow it from our children,’” said Troy Parkinson, Mt. Scott high school teacher, who is heading the project. “Instruction will cover organic, vegetable, herb, and fruit gardening, composting, and the scientific reasoning that accompanies being a successful gardener. The actual creation of the garden space is part of the course as well.”

Parkinson said the whole premise of sustainable living would be incomplete without the involvement of the community. Fortunately, the outdoor learning space is benefiting from supportive partnerships with local organizations and businesses.

Rebuilding Together Portland and Cricket Wireless kicked off the community support in April 2009 by building a new cedar fence around the backyard space adjacent to the MSLC high school facility. Hands on Greater Portland teamed up with these groups to clean out the backyard space and nearby supply shed for the school and the building owner, Laurelwood Church.

Dennis' Seven Dees Garden Center and resident landscape designer, Mulysa Melco, graciously contributed a formal landscape design that coordinated with MSLC’s overall vision for the outdoor garden space.  Since then, Seven Dees and Melco have been invaluable in providing advice, assistance, and expertise, and have generously provided several trees and plants to help bring the plan to life.

Ongoing donations of time and materials from Hands On Greater Portland and Rebuilding Together Portland have allowed several large-scale tasks to be completed this fall. Volunteers from the City of Portland’s Office of Management and Finance also joined the effort to spread gravel and bark chips for walking paths and build raised garden beds.

The winter months will limit outside activity at the project site, but students will continue learning about the components of sustainable gardening, as well as the contemplative aspects and health benefits the outdoor classroom space can provide. Plans for the spring include creating an herb spiral, designing and implementing a lavender labyrinth, and planting vegetables in the raised beds.

“It’s amazing what already has been accomplished,” said Parkinson. “The students, staff, neighbors and our business partners are really excited about the progress and the potential to develop such a pleasant and functioning space. And being able to develop it with the students is really inspiring."

Also, please visit our Outdoor Recreation Project site.