Rhea Elementary School Outdoor Classroom & Greenhouse Project

The Henry Co SWCD awarded three Conservation Education Grant to Rhea Elementary School for a "Think Outside...No Box Required" Outdoor Classroom, Mini Garden & supplies and materials for the greenhouse.  These grants helped transform an open area into an outdoor classroom and learning environment that will serve students and teachers from preschool through 2nd grade.  The SWCD grants were used to construct a stage and benches, tables, permanent benches, and ground cover.  There will be several learning areas set up for learning including large harvest tables that will seat 20+ students for class projects, an amphitheater area with a stage and benches, a garden center with multiple raised beds, and several smaller creative areas including a bridge, a construction space, a fairy/dinosaur garden, and a sensory garden.  Erin Sinclair, Rhea STEAM teacher, stated "This area will provide students the opportunities to 1) observe, measure, and chart changes in native plant species throughout the year, 2) learn about our natural environment and living things, and 3) encourage creativity, critical thinking, problem solving skills, and teamwork."  They also plan to begin a "Garden Club" for students to help with the planning and upkeep of the garden space.  In 2024, Henry County SWCD awarded a grant for supplies and materials for the new greenhouse.  We know these outdoor spaces will be an amazing way to encourage hands on learning and we are excited to see future updates on these amazing projects!