The Krueger Environmental Outdoor Science Center is an outdoor classroom for students and community members to enjoy and learn about our native area.  Because the Krueger campus is located on 100+ acres of land, an outdoor science center is a natural.  The project has six phases, the first phase will open in May 2012. Phase 1 incorporates a Bird Habitat with approximately one mile of looping trails.  It was constructed by Krueger students, staff and community members.  Learning stations for grades K-8 were developed.  These stations include study areas for brown bats, salamanders, soil and pond analysis, an different species of birds.

 

Krueger students and staff will begin Phase 2 of the project in early spring.  This phase consists of restoring the meadow area located behind the school.  Along with this restoration,  a second meadow area will be developed.  This area will also be set up as a learning center.

 

Work on  Phase 3 is slated to start in the fall of 2012.  This will entail the restoration of two wetland areas located directly behind the school.  This will give the Krueger students, staff, and community members access to wetland areas.  Both wetland areas will be accessible via a boardwalk.  This boardwalk will have learning centers and observation decks for all to enjoy.

 

With Phase 4, our students will have access to Trail Creek to help monitor the water quality of the creek.  This will also be a learning center, focusing on identifying the different trees located in Northern Indiana. This area will have a guided path with learning stations and stops located along the path.

 

Phase 5 will be developed in one of the three courtyards located at Kruger.  This area will become a butterfly habitat for butterflies native to our area.  Krueger students will help design and maintain the butterfly habitat.  This area will also be open for visits by school groups and community members.

 

For Phase 6,  the final phase of the Outdoor Environmental Center, Krueger students, in conjunction with community partners, will be developing a marsh/pond area in front of the building. This area will have a walking path with seating areas.

 

Academically, Krueger as added an Environmental science Course to its curriculum.  Each grade level will concentrate on two areas of study.  The 6th grade units focus on he water quality of the Trail Creek Watershed and ways to naturally keep the it healthy. The 7th grade will focus on pollution and sustainability.  The 8th grade will study habitat restoration and environmental stewardship.