The Problem
Lack of inclusive outdoor educational opportunities
Our Plan
Working in conjunction with USDA Forest Service, the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will establish a native plant sensory experience along a pre-existing paved, accessible section of trail at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, MT. In addition to plants already on site, we will add new, sensory-rich (smell, sight, sound, taste, touch) native plantings along this stretch of trail with the intention of adding interpretive signage that underscores the integrality of these native plant species to the indigenous cultures within the region, as well as the many ways in which those cultures used each species. Additionally, using a section of existing, accessible trail allows us to facilitate wheelchair-friendly interactions with nature, as well as affords us the possibility of future additions, such as a braille trail. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to lay the foundation for new programming at the LCIC that encourages students of all ages and abilities to interrogate their environment using traditional, indigenous knowledge and foster an appreciation for the extent to which the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition relied on such knowledge, while simultaneously creating a multi-functional, multi-sensory environment in which students can learn from one another.
Themes Addressed
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Inclusion
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Lesson Plans
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Pollinators
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Responsible Consumption
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The Benefit
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People
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Environment
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