South School Outdoor Learning Center and Trail Project gains momentum with community support








South School, an elementary school in Regional School Unit 13 (RSU 13), is making progress on its outdoor learning center and trail project, thanks to the support of local businesses and organizations. Most recently, Jake Barbour Inc. donated over $10,000 in in-kind work and equipment, taking the project one step closer to reality.
“My grandmother, Winnie, dedicated over 50 years to education, many of those in the Rockland school system," said Jake Barbour, president and founder of Jake Barbour Inc., in a news release. "She also managed her own greenhouse business, known as 'The Golden Owl.' Working on and donating to a project that connects education and nature is a meaningful way to honor her legacy and passion for teaching children. I’m proud to support this initiative.”
The project is to create opportunities for outdoor learning, physical activity, and environmental stewardship.
Some South School teachers have already embraced the outdoor classroom concept through “Forest Fridays,” when students explore and learn in the surrounding woods. The addition of trails and designated learning spaces will enhance these experiences, allowing students to study ecosystems, develop environmental literacy, and connect with their community’s cultural and historical heritage.
Along with Jake Barbour, Inc.’s contribution, the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District has signed on as a sponsor and ecological advisor.
LaBranche Land Survey has also supported the project by donating a preliminary site sketch. Midcoast Trails Stewardship, another key partner, has played a vital role in mapping the trails to ensure they are well-designed and accessible for both education and recreation.
“Access to the forest is a unique privilege that many of our students wouldn’t have otherwise,” said Hillary Arroyo, South School Principal. “This project gives them hands-on learning experiences in nature and helps them build a deeper connection to the natural world. We’re incredibly grateful for the community’s support in making this possible.”
As momentum continues to grow, South School, in collaboration with RSU 13, is applying for a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant and seeking a community partner to match Jake Barbour Inc.’s in-kind donation with a monetary contribution. This support will be essential in bringing the outdoor learning center and trails to life, benefiting students and the broader Rockland community for years to come.
For more information or to support this project, contact Hillary Arroyo at HArroyo@rsu13.org.