South Western Environmental Center
At South Western School District, there is an environmental center that consists of three areas. The Hidden Pond is a small pond in a low-lying area below our baseball field and various practice fields. The pond is surrounded by trees and a fence that is overgrown with vegetation. Because of this and the fact that it is geographically low, it is hard to see, hence the name Hidden Pond. The pond is relatively shallow (about 4-5 ft on average), but is teeming with life.
The Stream Area is a shallow meandering stream called Oil Creek that winds through the main portion of the environmental center. Oil Creek begins from a spring near Black Rock Road and picks up runoff from nearby athletic and agricultural fields. This creek has remained healthy over the years, even with all the changes to the land. Though small in terms of size, it has a lot of diversity. About 2/3 of the Stream Area has wilderness trails through the forested canopy and wild grass fields. The trails are used for wildlife identification, mountain biking, hiking, photography and much more.
East Woods is a mature wooded area consisting of many oak and hickory trees. It is also home to a portion of the cross country course at South Western. There is one trail that snakes its way through the woods and in the center is a counsel ring that classes use as an outdoor classroom. East Woods also has an old dump that some of the elementary classes visit to find old artifacts.
All of the areas are visited by teachers of all grade levels and subjects. It is an awesome asset to the students of this district. It really enables the students to experience science not just learn it. We are extremely fortunate to have an environmental area like this and hope to have it for many years to come!
The Stream Area is a shallow meandering stream called Oil Creek that winds through the main portion of the environmental center. Oil Creek begins from a spring near Black Rock Road and picks up runoff from nearby athletic and agricultural fields. This creek has remained healthy over the years, even with all the changes to the land. Though small in terms of size, it has a lot of diversity. About 2/3 of the Stream Area has wilderness trails through the forested canopy and wild grass fields. The trails are used for wildlife identification, mountain biking, hiking, photography and much more.
East Woods is a mature wooded area consisting of many oak and hickory trees. It is also home to a portion of the cross country course at South Western. There is one trail that snakes its way through the woods and in the center is a counsel ring that classes use as an outdoor classroom. East Woods also has an old dump that some of the elementary classes visit to find old artifacts.
All of the areas are visited by teachers of all grade levels and subjects. It is an awesome asset to the students of this district. It really enables the students to experience science not just learn it. We are extremely fortunate to have an environmental area like this and hope to have it for many years to come!