Outdoor Learning Space at Snow Creek Elementary

November 21, 2023

The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) has installed an outdoor learning space at Snow Creek Elementary in Franklin County that will allow students and teachers to take learning out of the classroom.  The learning space was generously sponsored by the Eco Ambassador Council, a coalition of regional businesses that combine their investment to support environmental protection and preservation opportunities in the Dan River Basin region.

The Snow Creek Outdoor Classroom is an outdoor learning space designed for fourth and fifth grade students and was installed in early fall, nestled near the forest edge, and includes a shelter, picnic tables and native bushes planted by the students.  The space will allow students to practice and apply many of the concepts they are learning in the classroom. 

“We are thrilled to support the environmental education efforts that are taking place at Snow Creek Elementary,” says Tyler Carter, Member of the Eco Ambassador Council. “Teaching our children about the importance of the environment and conservation is essential and we look forward to the many opportunities this new outdoor learning space will provide.”

The Snow Creek Outdoor Classroom is one component of a greater, multi-year DRBA project at Snow Creek Elementary generously funded through the Roanoke Women’s Foundation called “Educating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards.” The project began in 2022 and will conclude in 2024. 

“An alarming reality of today's children is that a large percentage of their time is spent indoors and on a screen.  It is becoming increasingly more important to give these children opportunities to learn outside and to be stewards of their environment.  This is backed by research that shows multiple benefits of a child being outdoors,” says Mr. Ken Grindstaff, Principal of Snow Creek Elementary. “Snow Creek Elementary School is grateful to DRBA and the Eco Ambassador Council for the donation of this outdoor classroom which will become the anchor for outdoor learning opportunities.”

Educating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards project will provide an immersive environmental education experience to all grade levels at Snow Creek Elementary.  The project integrates environmental education programs into curriculum that is already taking place in the classroom.  Programs include classroom presentations on watersheds and natural resource protection, macroinvertebrates, Trout in the Classroom and Streamside Trees in the Classroom.

“DRBA is thankful for this opportunity to educate the hundreds of current students at Snow Creek Elementary and this project will continue to serve students far into the future with meaningful experiences,” says Krista Hodges, Education Outreach Manager of the Dan River Basin Association.  “This project would not be possible without the support of the Eco Ambassador Council and the Roanoke Women’s Foundation.”

In 2024, DRBA also plans to install a nationally certified Monarch Waystation and weather monitoring station near the outdoor learning space. 

To learn more about DRBA’s environment education programs, visit www.danriver.org.

The Dan River Basin Association is an environmental non-profit that protects the region's natural assets such as the Dan River and its tributaries. DRBA is working to promote tourism as well as healthy lifestyles. DRBA assists localities in creating community parks, trails and access to local rivers and streams. Our mission is to protect and promote the Dan River Basin through recreation, education and stewardship.