The Dan River Basin Association announced that the final phase of the Eastman Smith River Eco-Learning Station, an outdoor learning space installed along the Smith River at the Great Road Access in Fieldale, is complete. This project was generously sponsored by Eastman Performance Films and the Department of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program.
Completed in two phases, this site will provide a site for hundreds of regional students to experience learning outside of their normal classroom setting. Studies show that field study can help youth excel in STEAM and drive community environmental initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to participate in water quality monitoring, learn about riparian buffers and Virginia watersheds.
“At Eastman, we value our community partners, and we know that investing in STEM education is an investment in our future workforce. We also take our commitment to environmental stewardship and operating responsibly very seriously,” said Amanda Allman, Eastman Corporate Communications. “This project brings together those values and commitments in a tangible way, and we are incredibly proud to be part of Eastman Smith River Eco-Learning Station. We are excited to see the eco-learning station come to fruition and our local students enjoying hands-on learning through this unique experience.”
The first phase of the project was completed in 2019 and included a ground level boardwalk and educational signage. The final phase is now complete and includes a pavilion, interpretive signage and a fishing line collection bin.
Located near a flood plain, the new pavilion is open-air concept with a metal roof. The educational signage was selected with input from local teachers and includes the Smith River Ecosystem, Water Cycle, Life of the River, and the Importance of Riparian Buffers. Accessories in the shelter include a work table in the middle to allow for hands-on activities such as water quality testing.
“The Eco-Learning Station is an excellent opportunity for our students and visitors to enhance their learning and appreciation for the environment through field study along the beautiful Smith River,” said Henry County Administrator Dale Wagoner. “This investment demonstrates a commitment to education, recreation, and environmental stewardship. We are grateful to our many community partners who had a hand in completing this project.”
The pavilion will primarily be used for educational purposes and open for local teachers and schools in Martinsville/Henry County to use on a first come, first serve basis. In addition to an outdoor learning space for regional students, the site will also provide outdoor space for visitors and a site for Citizen Water Quality Monitoring of the river.
“DRBA hosts hundreds of students annually at the Great Road River Access through the Trout in the Classroom program,” says Krista Hodges, Education Outreach Manager. “Students release trout fingerlings every spring into the Smith River while learning about the importance of water quality, river ecology, conservation and the life cycle of the trout through this hands-on environmental education program. We look forward to working with students from around the basin at the new outdoor classroom.”
The Great Road River Access is owned and maintained by Henry County Parks and Recreation.
“The Eastman Eco Learning Station is a great addition to our parks system and the Great Road River Access Area. This station will allow various organizations and schools that we partner with to be able to offer educational and environmental programs and activities for all ages”, said Roger Adams, director of Henry County Parks and Recreation. “We are thankful to Eastman and the Virginia Department of Forestry for funding this and for the Dan River Basin Association spearheading this.”
DRBA is currently looking at phase three of the project which will add to the features of the outdoor classroom.
“The Virginia Department of Forestry is pleased to be able to support the completion of this outdoor classroom, and we look forward to any opportunities to work with the Dan River Basin Association in this new space,” said Bill Sweeney, Watershed Specialist of the VA Department of Forestry.
DRBA expressed gratitude to Eastman and the VA Department of Forestry for funding this resource to support environmental education in the Dan River basin.
DRBA is an environmental non-profit that protects the region’s natural assets such as the Dan River and its tributaries. The agency is working to promote tourism as well as healthy lifestyles. DRBA assists localities in creating community parks, trails and access to local rivers and streams. Our mission is to protect and promote the Dan River Basin through recreation, education and stewardship.
Visit www.danriver.org to learn more about protecting and conserving our local natural resources and how you can get involved in your community.
