EPILOGUE

NatureSpace: The Outdoor Classroom

by, Bill Birch
(Advancement Coordinator/Foreman)

In the very back of our upper-grade campus, beyond the staff parking lot and storage sheds, was an unappreciated sliver of land. It was nothing more than an overgrown drainage ditch that was home to some forgotten tires, an empty industrial drum or two, and rusted car parts. When these items were finally cleared away, and put in their proper places, this former dumping-ground suddenly gave us a glimpse of its potential. For several years, ideas were conceived and floated about how to utilize this little parcel, but nothing took hold. And then, in late 2018, nearly four years since the idea of an outdoor classroom and performance space was first dreamed up, the Los Encinos Board of Trustees and Administration felt it was time to try to turn this overlooked area into something special. With the overwhelming support from our parent body, Los Encinos raised $67,000 at the “Raise the Paddle” event during our annual gala. With that amazing generosity, the outdoor space was enthusiastically put on track for construction the summer of 2019. After a long, hot summer of digging ditches, installing culverts, pouring cement, laying turf, building retaining walls, fences, decks, and even a theatrical set, the dream was finally a reality. On September 3rd, the first day of school, the new NatureSpace was revealed to rave reviews from both parents and students. Our former private junkyard had been transformed into our own private oasis behind our red gates. With the generous support of our community, we have greatly strengthened our humanities program and it will benefit students for years to come.

Many thanks go out to over a dozen local high school students who earned their community service hours one shovelful at a time, with a special thanks to two LES alumni, Max Birch (class of 2013) and Lorenzo Munzi (class of 2015). Also, thanks to current parents, Dean McNaughton, Shawn Cowhig and Eric Tipton, who donated equipment, expertise, and their talents to help make the NatureSpace the success that it is. Everyone, please take a bow!

Video: “The Making of NatureSpace”

Before:

After:

\

13,500

POUNDS OF CEMENT

200

STUDENT SERVICE HOURS

a

603

FENCE PICKETS

96

RETAINING WALL BRICKS

NatureSpace
BY THE NUMBERS

40

CUBIC YDS FILL DIRT

b

1,224

LINEAR FEET DECKING 

Z

1,788

SQ. FOOTAGE TRANSFORMED

578

SQ. FOOTAGE OF TURF

NatureSpace
BY THE NUMBERS

96

RETAINING WALL BRICKS

\

13,500

POUNDS OF CEMENT

200

STUDENT SERVICE HOURS

a

603

FENCE PICKETS

40

CUBIC YDS FILL DIRT

b

1,224

LINEAR FEET DECKING 

578

SQ. FOOTAGE OF TURF

Z

1,788

SQ. FOOTAGE TRANSFORMED