Project Background

Restoring an urban forest, local history, a child's sense of wonder, and connections with nature.

2006 - Como Woodland Restoration Outdoor Classroom Project Begins

Back in 2006 an idea for restoring a little wooded corner
of Como Park and opening it up for educational purposes slowly took shape in the minds of a small group of local volunteers. One cool morning in October, 65 Como High School students and Fresh Force service learning students gathered in the woods. The high spirits were contagious, and the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom was born.

View a Minnesota Bound segment about the
Field Day with Como High School

Download a Powerpoint Presentation about the
Como Woodland Project

Project goals

• Improve native species diversity in woodland
• Restore historic features
• Increase stormwater retention
• Improve student understanding of environmental science
• Improve stewardship behaviors

Project Activities

• Remove invasive species
• Conduct biological surveys
• Replant native species
• Restore historic feature and adapt into meeting place
• Build trails
• Install information posts
• Develop educational program available online
• Involve students, teachers, and public in process

Project models

• Valley Branch Environmental Education Center, Formerly Belwin Outdoor Classroom
  (St. Paul Public Schools)
• Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and
  Bird Sanctuary (Minneapolis Parks Department)

Benefits of place-based learning

• Helps compliance with MN Academic
  Standards for Science
• Helps students internalize learning
• Helps students bond with their local
  environment and their community
• Can improve student behavior

A forest of native plants

• Provides habitat for native wildlife
• Is less costly to maintain
• Has educational uses
• Can be a place to reconnect to natural world
  in the heart of the city