2024 Outdoor Laboratory of the Year

By Ken Day

McCutcheon High School of Lafayette, Indiana was selected as the 2024 Outdoor Laboratory of the Year.  The award was announced at the Tree Farm Breakfast at the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association convention and presented at the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (HASTI) conference in Indianapolis.

The outdoor laboratory was established about 6 years ago.  The project was designed to incorporate research on woodland restoration adjacent to the school.  Students study botany, ecosystem health, forest management, invasive species, tree health, water quality, and wildlife. There are approximately 30 students and seven teachers using the laboratory on a regular basis.  It is used for anthropology, AP English, biology, botany, engineering, and environmental science classes.

Partners involved in this education opportunity include AmeriCorps, Dunes Learning Center, NICHES Land Trust, Purdue University forestry students, and Purdue University chapter of Society of American Foresters.  Workdays promoted awareness about the forestry profession and provided opportunities for exploration of careers in natural resources.  This award is sponsored by Indiana Tree Farm which has education as one of its objectives.

Ken Day is retired Forest Supervisor of the Hoosier National Forest.