Outdoor classrooms, Children’s Garden on tour on May 5

MADISON – In a collaborative effort, civic and school groups have scheduled “Tour of Madison’s Outdoor Classroom Programs” on May 5.

Also that day, Rotary Club of Madison will guide visitors on a tour of the Children’s Garden at Madison Public Library.

The Garden Club of Madison is presenting the classroom tour.

“The Madison 150th Committee felt it appropriate to use the opportunity of the Madison Sesquicentennial to take a look forward as Madison’s students learn about their environment and conservation through this unique opportunity provided by these Madison City Schools Outdoor Classrooms,” Madison Sesquicentennial Committee Co-Chair Debbie Overcash said.

“Please join the Garden Club of Madison, teachers and students of Horizon and Madison elementary schools, Liberty Middle School and James Clemens High School, and the Rotary Club of Madison on May 5 to tour and learn more about these exceptional opportunities ‘in our own back yard,” Overcash said.

The tour of outdoor classroom will include four stops: Horizon Elementary School, 7855 Old Madison Pike, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.; Madison Elementary School, 17 College St., 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.; James Clemens High School, 11306 County Line Road, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.; and Liberty Middle School, 281 Dock Murphy Drive, 4:30 to 5 p.m.  

In conjunction with the tour, Rotary Club of Madison is hosting a reception at the Children’s Garden at Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd. The library event will run from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program has certified the outdoor classrooms at Horizon, James Clemens, Liberty and Madison elementary. The features in a campus’ outdoor classroom depend on the interests of students and staff. Examples are a beekeeper’s station, weather station, water features and diverse plants with descriptive signage.

For parking at the tour, visitors can watch for signs. At James Clemens, park next to the tennis courts and walk behind the courts. Only James Clemens is not wheelchair accessible. Students and staff will be available at each school to answer questions. 

The Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program is affiliated with the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The outdoor program provides free technical and organizational assistance for schools that want to create a sustainable outdoor classroom site for use as an effective educational tool for hands-on opportunities. (alabamawildlife.org/outdoor-classroom-program)

For more information, email Madison150@Madisonal.gov or visit Madisonal.gov/Madison150, facebook.com/550976948727156 or Facebook/Madison150AL200.