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School Forest Area
The 6.2 acres of the McFarland School Forest is adjacent to Indian Mound Middle School and was established in 2006. The School District, along with the Village Conservation Park, encompasses a total of approximately 16 acres, with the opportunity to see and study several ecosystems in a small area. The areas west of Exchange Street include: the McFarland School Forest, Thrun Marsh, Indian Mound Park, and Lewis Mound Group. Within the conservation areas, you will find many hardwood trees, homes for an abundance of wildlife, Native American Mounds, an Oak Savannah restoration area, and hiking trails. Taking the trail to the South you will find Jaeger Park and the Yahara River, which connects Lake Waubesa and Mud Lake. The river allows for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird viewing and studying aquatic species. The Conservation Park is used for recreation and as an “outdoor classroom” for the students and members of the community.
Waubesa Prairie
In 2007, the Waubesa School started a 1.1 acre Tall Grass Prairie. Through many programs, the WIS Prairie is used as an outdoor learning space for 3rd-5th grade students, as well as, community members. The programs have ranged from plant ID, habitat studies and restoration. An important program, that is taught by the Outdoor Education Coordinator, local volunteers and the 5th grade teaching team, leads the 5th grade students in the prairie restoration program. Because Tall Grass Prairies are a rare ecosystem (less than 1% remains in the United States), the students help harvest seed, remove invasive species, process and participate in seed broadcasting. The community has also been a part of studies and tours of the WIS Prairie. Learning about this rare ecosystem and how to care for it gives individuals a greater respect for, and increased desire to care for, our fragile environment.
School Legacy Garden & Food Gardens
Established in 2013, the McFarland Community Garden Committee invited the McFarland School District to take part in a school food garden. In 2014, the Legacy Gardens were planted by the students. Each year, the 1st & 2nd grade teaching team, Outdoor Education Coordinator and the McFarland Community Garden Director, lead the students on a journey through gardening. The 1st graders start seeds in the classrooms, watch their seedlings grow under grow lights and plant their seedlings in the spring each year. Each of the classrooms has a plot, where they grow a variety of produce to be harvested by the same students as 2nd graders, the following school year. The garden yield becomes part of the CEPS Harvest Meal lunch. The extra produce often goes to the McFarland High School, where it is prepped and used by and for the high school students. From planting to harvesting, the students gain a great understanding of what it takes to be “little farmers.” The goal is to have the students want to continue to try healthy, fresh foods, plant their own gardens and be “little farmers” one day, so the “Legacy” continues.
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