NIBLEY – Back in late August, Stokes Nature Center broke ground for a new outdoor classroom in Nibley.
On a recent KVNU For the People program, Executive Director Kendra Penry said construction is underway for the multi-year project on 2600 South just west of Highway 165.
“It’s more of an outdoor classroom and a nature park, is kind of the way we’re looking at it. It is designed to be a space that schools can use either for their own programming or to come to us to lead programming.
“To be a second location for a preschool which so many people want to be part of, so we want to create an opportunity for that. But also an outdoor classroom for adults to come for workshops and learning about our pollinators and food systems and things like that,” explained Penry.
But, she said, at the same time, the project will have an outdoor space that is really easy to get to in the heart of Nibley.
“You can just go and walk around and be in nature and watch birds and appreciate being in this natural wild space that feels like it’s in your own back yard. So definitely a space for learning, but also a place for being and to just enjoy the beautiful nature that we have here in Cache Valley.”
The project was awarded a $1.9 million grant. Penry said the price tag is about $3 million for the entire project so that is a nice boost to break ground and get the work started.