The effort to restore the 21-acre piece of land to its native state, originated in part, from the desire of a science teacher at MAHS to have a place for students to learn about the outdoors. After word spread about the need of an outdoor learning center, Jason Tank of Heartland Conservation, who also helped design the restoration project, said the four organizations were contacted and agreed to donate money, as well as any expertise they could contribute to the cause.

While it may take years to get the piece of land located on the east side of Minnewaska Area High School back to its native state, Tank said the restoration is already well under way. Some of the work already done includes the removal of the old cover, planting new native grasses including approximately 30 different species of wildflowers, and even putting the footings for a new sign. However, Tank said “this is just the start,” of the extensive restoration process.

Other plans include putting in a new observation dock to look onto the wetlands, paths for walking and cross country skiing, and such things as wood duck houses. While there are some plans for future work, Tank said they have been left open ended in order to allow the project to evolve to meet the needs of teachers, as well as the organizations at hand.

With the variety of wetlands, grasses and trees in such close proximity, Tank said the MAS Outdoor Learning Center will create a unique and diverse ecosystem for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s a thing to make this area better for wildlife, not just for the school and students in the classroom, but for people from the public as well,” said Tank.

Though there will be costs associated with the upkeep and improvements at the restoration area, Tank said a trust fund has already been established in PHCT that has money earmarked for the MAS Outdoor Learning Center. The step was taken to ensure MAS won’t incur any additional fees associated with the newly restored land.

“It won’t cost the school anything, and will really benefit the area,” said Tank.

The first native seeds were planted this summer and already the area has turned into a popular destination for wild animals to temporarily call home. As a result, some have tried to hunt the restored land, but DeJong cautioned such a practice is not allowed. Signs are now posted stating no hunting is allowed anywhere on the MAS Outdoor Learning Center, at any time.

Instead, the land is meant as a place where present life can take a look and learn how things used to be, before the advent of the modern marvels such as cars and guns, which people can’t live without today.

A new sign was put up on Monday on the 21-acre MAS Outdoor Learning Center. The center is located just east of MAHS.
Photo by Chad Koenen