NEWS Archives - Page 9 of 10 - Arlington Outdoor Lab

Advocate for the Outdoor Lab

Posted on December 1, 2017February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

President’s Letter

We have have many dedicated supporters and are very grateful for your support. With the increasing school population, we want to ensure that we have facilities and resources to continue supporting Arlington Public School (APS) students.

We continue to have discussions with Arlington Public School staff to increase Outdoor Lab staff and transportation so we can maintain the current classes and possibly bring back more high school and 6th grade programs. This year the Outdoor Lab staff has scheduled a record 43 5th grade overnights! With the increasing size of 7th grade and 3rd grade classes we have no room left in the calendar for make-up days due to cancellations. So inclement weather (ice, snow!) precludes a school from having the overnight experience – we are as disappointed as the students! The Science Advisory Committee and AOEA have both recommended additional staff and transportation to provide additional flexibility in scheduling visits.

We are anxious to move forward with our cottage replacement and other facility projects – but as our past president, Mike Nardolilli, simply stated – “AOEA and APS are running a 3-legged race supporting the OL and if we are not working together – we just run in circles”. The AOEA needs a commitment from APS (additional resources) to maintain the program for the future.

Express your support for the Outdoor Lab directly to APS staff:

Dr. Dat Le, Science Lead (dat.le@apsva.us )
Dr. Tara Nattrass, Asst. Super. for Instruction and Learning (tara.nattrass@apsva.us )
Dr. Patrick Murphy, Superintendent (patrick.murphy@apsva.us )
Arlington School Board (school.board@apsva.us ))

Your past support has made it possible for the Outdoor Lab to serve the Arlington community for 50 years! Please “pay it forward” and remember the Outdoor Lab at this time of year by making a tax-deductible contribution today! (online at https://outdoorlab.org or mail to Arlington Outdoor Education Association Inc., P.O. Box 5646, Arlington, VA 22205)

Todd Parker, President AOEA

Open House-Sunday October 29 2017

Posted on September 1, 2017January 19, 2018 by Mike Maleski

Due to Rainy weather, the Open House on October 29th has been cancelled.

El Laboratorio al Aire Libre ha cancelado las puertas abiertas debido al clima.

Arlington Families join us at our semi-annual Outdoor Lab Open House, Sunday October 29th from 12-4pm.

In case of bad weather, we will post whether the Open House is cancelled right here on the web.

Enjoy nature with your family as you hike the trails, try fishing in the pond, paddle a canoe, or visit with the animals in the Lab. We’ll have a cookout with hot dogs and smores or you can bring a picnic to enjoy. It’s fun for all ages and free for Arlington Families and friends.

While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer. We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate!

If you’d like to Volunteer during the Open House, contact Carol Goodloe, AOEA Volunteer Coordinator at cagoodloe@comcast.net.

Consider carpooling with neighbors or friends to reduce your carbon footprint. Directions can be found here and parking info will be posted closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing you!

[pdf-embedder url=”https://outdoorlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fall-2017-Open-House-English.pdf” title=”Fall 2017 Open House – English”] [pdf-embedder url=”https://outdoorlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fall-2017-Open-House-Spanish.pdf” title=”Fall 2017 Open House – Spanish”]

Thank You Picnic- 50 Years

Posted on June 12, 2017February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

On Sunday, June 4, the AOEA board and Outdoor Lab staff thanked our generous longtime donors with a festive picnic celebration. It was wonderful to see so many old friends and to recognize them for their years of service and support to the Outdoor Lab. Thank you to all who attended!

Special recognition was given via these two awards:

Volunteer of the Decade

Judy Collins and family

Volunteer of the Year

Marni Pennington Coleman

At the event, AOEA President Mike Nardolilli unveiled renderings of a planned replacement for Striker Cottage

and announced the availability of a

number of “Naming Opportunities”

at the Outdoor Lab, including the following:

“TINY HOUSES” @ $50,000 EACH

The “Tiny Houses” are two small units that are able to provide sleeping

accommodations to Outdoor Lab Staff who stay at the Lab during

the Fifth Grade Overnights.

HISTORY DISPLAY CASE @ $20,000

The Lab property includes Glasscock Gap that was used by troops during the Civil War.

We have discovered a number of Civil War and other historic artifacts on the Lab property that should be appropriately displayed.

50th ANNIVERSARY FRIENDS OF PHOEBE @ $5,000 EACH

Help us build the replacement for the Striker Cottage by becoming a 50th Anniversary Friend of Phoebe.

Your name will be placed on a plaque in the new structure as your legacy to the children of Arlington.

Please contact the Outdoor Lab if you are interested in supporting our Capital Campaign!

Email: arlingtonoutdoorlab@gmail.com

Mail: P.O. Box 5646, Arlington, VA 22205

Open House, Saturday May 20 2017

Posted on March 15, 2017February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

Arlington Families- Help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Outdoor Lab at the semi-annual Outdoor Lab Open House, Saturday May 20th from 1-5pm.

Enjoy nature with your family as you hike the trails, try fishing in the pond, paddle a canoe, or visit with the animals in the Lab. We’ll have a cookout with hot dogs and smores or you can bring a picnic to enjoy. It’s fun for all ages and free for Arlington Families and friends.

While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer. We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate!

Consider carpooling with neighbors or friends to reduce your carbon footprint. Directions can be found here and parking info will be posted closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing you!

Lab Notes- February 2017

Posted on February 9, 2017February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

The latest Lab Notes are here and include a fundraising update, Poetic Inspiration, Summer Camp info, Spring Open House dates, and much more.

Outdoor Lab named “Best of Arlington- Field Trip”

Posted on January 30, 2017February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

Arlington Magazine published its “Best of Arlington” in its January 2017 issue and the Outdoor Lab was named as an “Editor’s Pick for best Field Trip.” Check it out here.

Thanks to Jenny Sullivan and Greg Hamilton at Arlington Magazine for the kudos!

Lab Notes- December 6 2016

Posted on December 6, 2016January 30, 2017 by Mike Maleski

Check out the latest Lab Notes newletter from the Outdoor Lab.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://outdoorlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Lab-Notes-120616-End-of-Year-2016.pdf” title=”Lab Notes 120616 End of Year 2016″]

AOEA Honored with Arlington Community Foundation’s Community Impact Award

Posted on September 8, 2016February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

The Arlington Community Foundation has recognized the Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA) with a Community Impact Award, in recognition of the truly unique educational experience provided to thousands of Arlington students for almost 50 years. The award will be presented at a reception on November 10.

SCA trail crew 2016

Posted on September 1, 2016February 21, 2018 by Mike Maleski

For the last few years, the Outdoor Lab Board has partnered with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to sponsor trail crews at the Outdoor Lab. The Lab property benefits as the crews help rebuild our trails, bridges and natural infrastructure while the crews learn valuable environmental and leadership skills. Check out their report for the 2016 project below:

SCA Outdoor Lab Crew 2016 Final Report