Nature Classroom

• Our vision
  is a diverse nature classroom that will stimulate our children’s minds and bodies with opportunities to walk, run, explore, observe and talk about what they may find in an enhanced and expanded schoolyard habitat. First-hand experiences will enrich our children’s lives, spark their curiosity and introduce natural sciences as outdoor adventures.
  

• Work has begun
  to create a nature classroom for the Children’s Center at USC. Located on the hillside site west and south of the playground, the envisioned hammock will provide a wonderful introduction to natural science for children. The 1/5 acre site has three distinct zones: a sunny open area, a wooded area, and, of particular interest (and opportunity), a natural bog. Seventy-five trees and shrubs have been planted to date, made possible by grants from Columbia Green and volunteers.  


• A Conceptual Landscape Plan
  drawn by landscape architect Mark Cotterill maximizes the different properties of the site and opportunities for nature study. As envisioned, a trail will lead from the point nearest the school buildings to the wooded area in the far corner, back across the top to a gathering area and the upper gate into the larger playground. Along the trail will be a meadow, a rocky bed and a bridge, a bog, and an arbor. See the landscape sketch, project description and plant list for further detail.  


• Your help is needed two ways:
  financial contributions and volunteer labor. Seventy-five new plants is just the beginning -- there still is much to be done to make our vision a reality. Contributions from parents, grandparents, friends, gardeners and nature lovers of all stripes are needed to transform the site into a nature classroom. Additional funds are essential to purchase lumber and other building supplies, rocks, additional plants and some paid labor to complete all of the components of the landscape plan.  


• To make a donation
  please contact Center Director Sherry King (kinglc@mailbox.sc.edu), or use your credit card to make a donation online to the USC Educational Foundation and designate the Children’s Center Outdoor Nature Classroom, Fund A31656. Your gift will be appreciated for many generations to come. Click here to make a donation


• To volunteer
  Please contact Don McInnes (seenvdes@aol.com) or Hillary McDonald (hlmcdn8@bellsouth.net). Work days will be scheduled as funds become available.