Board OKs grant proposal

17 years ago

Funds would improve outdoor education experience

By Sarah Berthiaume
Staff Writer

    HOULTON — School board members gave initial approval on the pursuit of a grant to build an outdoor education classroom on the Bird Farm.
    The Bird Farm, a 100-plus acre lot adjacent to the high school, is “a great place to start the outdoor learning process,” said Dan Jacobs.
    Jacobs, who works with the Maine Forest Service, said a forest management plan is currently in the works for the acreage. He said they’re also working, through Vital Pathways, to enhance the education opportunities with an outdoor education classroom.
    “Ward Cedar Log Homes has offered to provide an 18-foot by 20-foot building,” he said. “Most everything would be included in that package.”
    He said other entities have expressed interest in donating to the project, and the matching grant, if received, would make the project of minimal cost to the district. Community donations would count as a the need grant match.
    The land has been used in the past by 4-H groups, home-schooled students and others. Jacobs said he believes having a structure available for use would only increase interest.
    “I think it would be kind of a snowball effect,” he said. “An ‘if we build it, they will come’ type of deal.”
    The board expressed support for those plans, thanking Jacobs for his efforts and interest.