Outdoor Classroom

Outdoor Classroom & Habitat Lab Project


A Living Lab for Our Students

Mountain View Elementary is creating a permanent Outdoor Classroom and "Habitat Lab" – an immersive, hands-on learning environment designed to enrich science, math, and environmental education for every student.Research shows that outdoor learning can boost academic performance by up to 21% and reduces stress, helping students focus and feel calmer. Our project will give every child at MVE the opportunity to learn in a dynamic, nature-filled setting.

What You'll Find in Our Outdoor Classroom

Monarch Waystation & Pollinator Garden

A native plant garden featuring Showy and Butterfly Milkweed – critical for monarch butterflies – alongside other pollinator-friendly species. This living ecosystem will support STEM learning and environmental stewardship. As well as other native Colorado plants such as coreopsis and sunflowers.

Interactive Weather Station

Students will become citizen scientists, learning to observe, record, and analyze real-time data on temperature, wind, and precipitation. This hands-on tool connects directly to science and math curriculum standards.

Dedicated Learning Spaces

A new classroom picnic table and shaded seating will provide a comfortable, functional space for outdoor lessons, reading, and group activities.

Native Deciduous Shade Trees

We are planting native evergreen trees to create lasting shade and a peaceful atmosphere for years to come.

How You Can Help

This project is a PTA Legacy Gift, funded entirely by our community. We are looking for local partners to help us bring this vision to life.

Sponsorship Levels:

  • Platinum ($1,000+): Logo on the project sign, our website, and in our newsletter
  • Gold ($500): Logo on our website and newsletter
  • Silver ($250): Recognition in our newsletter
  • Bronze ($100): Name on our website donor list

👉Click here to donate to this project: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/67f9db43-3e81-4ad8-aa46-bbd79383c86e/campaigns/86e5ef6182

Volunteer for the Landscaping Committee

We need your help to bring this vision to life! Building our Outdoor Classroom & Habitat Lab will take a village. We are looking for parents, grandparents, and community members who are passionate about nature, gardening, or simply want to help create something beautiful for our students.

What we need help with:

  • Garden planning and plant selection
  • Soil preparation and planting days
  • Weather station installation and setup
  • Building and placing picnic tables
  • Ongoing garden maintenance and watering

No experience required! Whether you have a green thumb or just a willing pair of hands, we would love your support.All volunteers must be District-approved and have completed volunteer training at MVE. If you haven't completed training yet, please reach out to the school office for more information.

👉 Interested? Email us at mveptateam@gmail.com to join the committee or click here to sign up.

Thank you for supporting our students and our school community!