Grant awarded for Marshfield Outdoor Learning Sanctuary
For the Hub City Times
MARSHFILED – The Child Care Center’s of Marshfield was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Matthews Children’s Foundation, for the construction of a learning center shelter in the Marshfield Outdoor Learning Sanctuary (MOLS) adjacent to the Tiny Tiger Intergenerational Center.
Rembs Funeral Home applied for the grant from the Matthews Children’s Foundation – a nonprofit organization which supports local children’s charities across the United States.
MOLS and other childcare center outdoor learning environments stimulate the diversity of a child’s play experience and contribute to their healthy development. The benefits of connecting to nature have been proven to support creativity and problem solving, enhance cognitive abilities, improve academic performance, reduce Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms, increase physical activity, and reduce stress.
Randy Lueth, landscape architect, has provided design services for the trail system, arbors, bridge, and now, the shelter along with Marshfield High School (MHS) Project Lead the Way students.
MHS Construction Technology students and their teacher, Aaron Scheuer, will build the shelter decking in partnership with a local roofing contractor. The 24’x24’ covered structure, with handicap accessibility and seating, will enrich learning experiences for people of all ages.
Construction Technology students have already built two arbors found at the trail entrances and elevated walkways for the trail system. Agriculture students and teachers Tim Heeg and Mark Zee, along with community volunteers facilitated by Dan Umhoefer, are also working to eradicate the invasive buckthorn located in the wetland.
This three acre-wetland is being developed to enhance environmental stewardship, healthy lifestyles, and respect for wetland habitat. The land was donated to the School District of Marshfield but MOLS is open to the entire community to learn about wetlands through educational signage designed by MHS Biology students.
If you’d like to learn more about the MOLS or join the committee, please call Jennifer Fredrick at 715-387-8464, ext. 4376, or email [email protected]