GHES receives award for ‘outstanding efforts in environmental education’

By Kris Goracke

Reporter

Each year, individuals and organizations across Minnesota are celebrated for their contributions to environmental stewardship. In January, the Minnesota Association for Environmental Education honored Glacial Hills Elementary in Starbuck at an awards ceremony held on January 21 at the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge Center in Bloomington.

According to their website, the association acknowledges outstanding efforts in environmental education. Glacial Hills Elementary was awarded the Student Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing its innovative and exemplary commitment to environmental stewardship.

During the nomination process, Glacial Hills Elementary Director Jodee Lund highlighted how environmental education is the focal point of the school’s curriculum. The application showcased various student-led projects, demonstrating the school’s commitment to environmentally project-based learning.  

“Over the past two years, Glacial Hills has embraced our mission and values while expanding environmental education opportunities for our students, said Lund. “Among our achievements, we have established and maintained a schoolyard greenhouse and hydroponic gardens, secured a waste management grant to implement new recycling and garbage bins across the school, and initiated composting to enrich our schoolyard garden.”

“Our most exciting project is creating our outdoor learning center, the Eagles Nest,” Lund continued. “With grants and community donations, we are transforming two acres behind the school into an outdoor learning space, restoring and enhancing central Minnesota ecosystems. This includes the development of a rain and butterfly garden, along with the cultivation of natural prairie grasses.”

The outdoor learning center project is a collaborative effort involving third through sixth-grade students and community partners. Recently, the students presented their ideas and designs for the center. Once a design is selected, the students will work with Westwood Professionals to survey the land.  

“The students will actively participate in the entire process,” explained Lund. “They will learn about surveying and receive feedback on the chosen design from a civil engineer and landscape architect, which provides valuable learning opportunities. Additionally, we will consult with Pope Soil and Water Conservation District to ensure the habitats we restore are sustainable,” said Lund.   The goal is to begin the building process this May.