The Leopold Heritage Group is dedicated to promoting the legacy of Aldo Leopold — native son, naturalist, teacher and father of the modern conservation movement.
Aldo Leopold Middle School outdoor classroom
(proposed)
The proposed outdoor classroom and prairie project at Aldo Leopold Middle School took a step forward June 13 when Leopold Heritage Group members reviewed the site plans with landscape architect Steve Brower and school officials.
No final cost figures have been determined, but the group is hoping for a great deal of community support through donated labor and materials, as well as financial contributions toward the effort. Nearly $25,000 has so far been raised in direct contributions, grants, pledges and offers of materials, including a $10,000 donation from the Cullen Family Foundation of Burlington.
As proposed, the plan calls for creating several rock outcrops, several low earthen berms, a 525-foot winding trail through several prairie plantings, a covered shelterhouse, a bird-feeding station and a circular stone seating area dubbed the Leopold Circle, which will feature selected quotes by the author of “A Sand County Almanac.”
The group discussed using “green” ideas in the project, from solar lighting to crushed glass on the trail.
The project is expected to be undertaken in stages over several years, with help from local Scouting, conservation and service organizations.
The project is planned on a flat, 2.2-acre parcel of land directly in front of the middle school abutting Sunnyside Avenue.
Brower said he hopes to get the first several loads of limestone delivered to the site in early July.
Burlington School District maintenance director Byron Wittlesey said he plans to let a bid soon on construction of a corridor sidewalk that will curve through the east side of the project site from Sunnyside Avenue to near the front door of the school. The trail will connect to the sidewalk in three places.
The $16,000 cost of the sidewalk will be the only contribution to the project site by the school district.
LHG members hope to foster a sense of ownership with students at the school through hands-on projects during the school year, such as planting prairie plugs and offering ideas on which of Leopold’s quotes to use on the stones in Leopold Circle.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution of money, materials or time to the project can contact LHG member Dave Riley at (319) 758-6828.
— added June 14, 2011
Photos courtesy Aldo Leopold Foundation. Click to view larger images.
