In keeping with the Mission Statement of the Foundation, the Board of Directors and the Woodson Ranch in collaboration with the local school district and other agencies are developing an outdoor classroom for the schools.
In the spring of 2004, following an outing to the ranch to GPS a location, the 4th grade class from the elementary school and the high school agriculture classes, came back to the ranch to begin construction of a nature trail.
The trail will serve as a safe and convenient location for teachers and students to observe first hand the diverse wildlife habitat and how the wildlife that lives here coexists with the agricultural operations. Physical education classes and science classes have made outings to the ranch; the art teacher brought her class to the site and created environmental art. Memorial gifts given in honor of two dear friends of the foundation, Bud Kanouse and Scott Waldie, will be used to renovate a historic log barn located at the trailhead, and made into the Waldie/Kanouse Visitor Center.
In cooperation with the local Natural Resource Conservation Service, demonstration plots of native and introduced grasses, shrubs and forbs are being planned near the visitor center. The plot will educate students and adults regarding plant physiology and appearance as well as site suitability.
The visitor center and nature trail will significantly extend the Foundation's outreach potential.