CSX Awards Grant to Partners for Resources and the Busseron Creek Watershed Partnership

Last summer, CSX generously awarded Partners for Resources and the Busseron Creek Watershed Partnership a grant to develop an Outdoor Classroom pilot project.

CSX's contribution paved the way for the first Outdoor Classroom, and now the volunteer and community teams at Hymera plan to begin work on the next Outdoor Classroom this summer.

With guidance from the Natural Resource Education Center, lead instructor Beth Hunt, compiled learning kits to be used this spring - and in the years to come. Each and every classroom will start seedlings to be planted when the project commences. Along with the Outdoor Classroom, Watershed Coordinator, Lisa Holscher noted that Hymera Elementary is initiating an annual Earth Day planting event this year. Students will plant the seedlings and other plants from regional native plant nurseries. From planting seedlings to other classroom activities, Holscher remarked that, "these children will be outside - learning."

Hymera Elementary's appreciation for the classroom was expressed in Holscher's sentiments and words of regarded author of Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv's quote, "There is no practical alternative to hope." She went on to express that, "these projects are a spot of hope in our children's lives."

CSX's contribution paved the way for the first Outdoor Classroom, and now the volunteer and community teams at Hymera plan to begin work on the next Outdoor Classroom this summer.

The progress made by Hymera Elementary can be viewed at www.Busseron.org/BCWP_OutdoorClassroom.htm.